I live in Houston, Texas. I have several types of hibiscus in the ground. My question is, when it is fixing to freeze, do I need to cover these or just let them go? They are facing the north wind.
This depends on the species of hibiscus you have. Hibiscus are generally divided into hardy and tropical varieties- hardy hibiscus will not mind a freeze, and can be kept outdoors without protection in USDA gardening zones 4 and above.
Tropical hibiscus plants are usually brought indoors in cooler regions, but many varieties can survive in zones 8 and 9 with protection. Parts of Houston are in zones 8b and 9a. Here is some advice on covering plants:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protecting-plants-winter.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/mulching-plants-in-winter.htm
My hibiscus bush consists of two big sticks and the one does flower. How can I get it to grow right? It needs to poof out! Lol. I have it planted in an area where I have rocks around it, small ones. I keep them about a foot away from the trunk if that matters. Thank u! Jeri
You are just perfect to start thinking about pruning your Hibiscus. February or March are a good time to trim your plant in your growing zone.
I'm listing several links for you.
This will help refresh you on the care requirements and needs of a Hibiscus plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/how-to-care-for-hibiscus-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-fertilizing.htm
When we purchased our house a couple of years ago, the gardeners treated the large plant near our front porch like a shrub and continually shaped the plant accordingly to avoid overflow of the growth over the sidewalk or height of the plant to interfere with a light-sensitive porch light. This fall, however, I asked the gardeners to leave the plant alone and shortly thereafter discovered that the plant was a beautifully blooming red hibiscus. My problem now is to reduce the size of the plant to the point that it can grow upwards and laterally to allow for blooms without interfering with functional parts of the porch area. Is this possible without killing the plant? If so, when should I do the work? and how should I proceed? I have a number of rose plants and therefore don't have an issue with "tough" pruning, if required. Thanks so much for your advice.
You can do pruning to help shape and think out the Hibiscus. I would suggest working in thirds. 1/3 of pruning at a time. This will reduce the stress to your lovely plant.
The link below will help you with pruning technique and timing.
I have black, flattish, non legged somethings on my Hibiscus leaves inside. They have a white stringy thing that they (some) seem attached with. Any ideas? We live in CT. What might they be and whats the treatment to get rid of them?
They could be Scale, Mealybug or Mites.
Treat the plant with Neem Oil, ensuring you spray both the tops and undersides of all leaves.
Neem Oil is a safe, organic treatment.
Here are some links to help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-sticky-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
My hibiscus buds but they fall off before opening. What's the problem?
There can be a few different reasons for bud drop.
This article will help you pinpoint the cause.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-flowers-hibiscus-blossoms-falling-off-plant.htm
Last year my hibiscus were yellow - this year they seem to have changed to a red pink color. I assume that this is probably due to a change in the soil, but not sure what could have changed to make the color different. Any ideas? I liked the yellow better!
Color change in hibiscus is a complicated and interesting phenomenon. This article has a great explanation:
http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/misc/colors.htm
As the article explains, the colors are more likely to be influenced by the weather than the soil, and there's unfortuately no consistent way for us to control which ones show up. The yellow will probably be back, but it's hard to predict when!
I have two potted hibiscus that have bloomed beautifully the past number of months. They are getting kind of of skimpy or thin, and I'm thinking they need fertilizer. What kind should I use?
If your hibiscus are kept indoors year-round or are outdoors now, you can fertilize based on these guidelines for tropical hibiscus:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-fertilizing.htm
Or for any hibiscus:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/how-to-care-for-hibiscus-plants.htm
If your hibiscus plants are indoors for the winter and they are usually outdoor plants, it's best not to fertilize now. The issue in this case is usually the lower light levels, so giving them more light, such as with a grow light, should help them fill out. Wait until spring, then fertilize.