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Top Questions About Hibiscus Plants

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Questions About Hibiscus Plants

  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 21, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It likely needs some more fertilizer, especially phosphorus which helps with blooming. Use a "bloom booster" fertilizer or add some bone meal to the soil to help add some phosphorus. You could also try giving it a teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved in a quart of water.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 21, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Hardy hibiscus plants need little care over winter and are hardy to zone 5 with no protection outdoors, though you may add mulch if you like. The tropical varieties are the ones that require growth indoors over winter. However, tropical varieties can be grown outdoors in zones 9 and above where winters are mild. I believe you are in zone 9b.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 24, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    If you are bringing in a potted tropical hibiscus, you can hose it down well with water and cut it back by up to 1/3 before bringing it indoors. Neem oil is a good treatment for any pest issues that you may have. If your plant is a hardy variety, it will not require any special care over winter and should not be cut back until spring. These articles will help as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/wintering-hibiscus-indoors-winter-care-for-hibiscus.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 24, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    If it is a hardy hibiscus, then it can stay outside to Zone 5. If it is a tropical hibiscus, it must be brought in for the winter. The tropical varieties must be grown in containers and overwintered indoors.These plants will not tolerate more than a night or two of light freezes. Even one hard freeze (below 25) could kill the plant. The hardy varieties don't need any special treatment, though wrapping or mulching of the plant in colder zones is fine. If you are unsure of what you have, I would grow it in a container indoors just to be safe.

    Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/wintering-hibiscus-indoors-winter-care-for-hibiscus.htm

    For hibiscus growing outdoors, I would not prune them back right now, as this will encourage new growth which could get damaged by the winter cold. These plants are best 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

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 25, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    For hibiscus growing outdoors, I would not prune them back right now, as this will encourage new growth which could get damaged by the winter cold. These plants are best 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

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 26, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    If it is a hardy hibiscus, then it can stay outside to Zone 5. The hardy varieties don't need any special treatment, though wrapping or mulching of the plant in colder zones is fine. If it is a tropical hibiscus, it must be brought in for the winter. These plants will not tolerate more than a night or two of light freezes. Even one hard freeze (below 25) could kill the plant. If you are unsure of what you have, I would grow it in a container indoors just to be safe.

    Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/wintering-hibiscus-indoors-winter-care-for-hibiscus.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 27, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Your question appears rather vague but I assume you are asking about pruning due to their height. If these are potted and you are bringing the hibiscus inside, you can cut them back by up to 1/3 before bringing the plants indoors. Otherwise, you should wait till spring. This article will help:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm

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