Shold I cut my hibiscus down in winter? I live in New York.
It is ok to trim your hibiscus plant if you are overwintering it indoors. In fact, this can lessen the stress it will likely experience while acclimating to its new indoor environment, which is why leaves tend to drop off. You can trim whenever you deem necessary, but for hard pruning I would wait until spring when you set it back out, or for hardy types outdoors year round.
These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/wintering-hibiscus-indoors-winter-care-for-hibiscus.htm
My hibiscus is very unhappy. Leaves are yellowing and it is very thin compared to when I got it. The branches are also starting to wither. HELP! I would really hate to lose this as it was a gift. What do I do to bring this beautiful plant back to life? It is indoors in a container.
The following article should be of some help to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/answers-to-what-causes-hibiscus-leaves-turning-yellow.htm
Get it to the light! Right away! Move it outdoors, in a spot shaded from direct sun, and make sure it's watered well, but not sitting in the water. You may need to water everyday. Of course, I live in Florida, and don't think of hibiscus as indoor houseplants, but I know some people grow them that way. But I bet yours was grown in a bright greenhouse somewhere, and now it desperately needs more light. If you can get it beefed up now, you may be able to keep it in the sunniest spot in your house when you bring it indoors.
These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/how-to-care-for-hibiscus-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-fertilizing.htm
If my tree goes into full dormancy, do I still water it while it's in a cool, dark place?
Yes, you will still need to water the pot about once a month to prevent the plant from drying out completely.
What causes hibiscus buds to fall before opening?
It could be a number of insects, but thrips or gall midge are most common pests that affect the buds. These articles may help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-flowers-hibiscus-blossoms-falling-off-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
Can I cut my hibiscus back and prune them? I live in Goldsboro, North Carolina and would love to plant them outdoors. They are about 4 foot tall.
You can prune them but now is not the time to do so, unless you plan on bringing them inside. They should be pruned back in spring. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm
yes, you can prune your hybiscus. In fact pruning will promote more branching and therefor more flowers. I prune mine to keep them compact and in control since mine are brought in the house for the winter.
Do you prune hibiscus and, if so, when?
Yes, you normally prune these plants in spring, though if bringing it indoors for overwintering, you can trim it back some now. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm