Here in Albuquerque our local garden center is showing some lovely hibiscus that I would like to keep in well-watered pots. Two questions: 1: Am I a fool for thinking about hibiscus at all in our arid climate where we can have 30 degree swings between day and night temperatures? Is there a reason why hibiscus are never listed in my "gardening in the Southwest" books? 2: At the the garden center the plants are in full bloom. Since they were probably forced at the nursery does that mean they'll go for a couple of weeks and then be done for the year?
Since it is so dry in your area, they will be hard to keep looking their best. This is not to say that they will not grow, but they will have a hard time during the dry heat.
A lack of humidity will, often, prevent it from flowering and will likely trigger it to start dormancy long before winter arrives. As long as you give it shade from the afternoon and keep it very well watered in the summer, it can survive, and even flower some years.
Caring for a tropical hibiscus?
The trunk of my small hibiscus tree is splitting open . Is it not getting enough water or too much water or lack of food?
If your tree has been exposed to a dry period when it gets too little water followed by a wet period, that might cause bark splitting. Evening out its water supply can help prevent this. There are other potential causes- please see the following articles:
https://ask.extension.org/questions/134444
plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/barksplitting.pdf
I live in Central Florida and have hibiscus which I have left as bushes or have made as trees. My question is in your article on 4/25/18 to talk about the Texas Hibiscus. Can this plant be grown in Central Florida and if it can where in Florida can I buy this plant.
I would imagine that it could grow there fine, but it is probably suited for a more arid climate. If you start to see signs of fungal infection, you should treat right away with dolomitic lime and wettable sulfur. Otherwise, they should grow just fine.
As for where to buy this plant... We don't usually recommend places to do so, but I would check at local nurseries, or online, as many of them will ship to just about anywhere.
I would like to see a picture of the bush with the flowers on it. What are dimensions of this plant?
There are many species and varieties of hibiscus with different dimensions, such as tropical hibiscus, hardy hibiscus, and rose of sharon. You'll surely be able to find one that fits your site:
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/homeowners/110908.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-container-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/outdoor-hibiscus-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-bush.htm
I just planted a hibiscus in a pot Why are some of the leaves turning yellow.
I will need more information. Are these being kept indoors with A/C? The lack of humidity will cause this. Can you include photos? This will help me to see what is going on.
Why are blooms dropping off before opening completely?
It could be thrips, tiny organisms. This article goes over this problem with hibiscus. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-flowers-hibiscus-blossoms-falling-off-plant.htm