Q.Will Hibiscus Respond To Cold Temps.
We live in South Alabama and the nightime temperature fell to upper 20’s. We forgot to bring potted hibiscus inside and the leaves are withering. They are inside the house now. Should we prune them back and try to see if they leaf back out or wait until spring. We will probably keep them inside since typical Winter temps are 30’s and 40’s at night.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Tropical hibiscus can't tolerate freezing temperatures but it's possible the temperature was below freezing only a short time. Cut off any visibly damaged stems and hope for the best. Here is more help for freeze-damaged plants:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-treat-frozen-plants.htm
They normally respond but at different levels of cold since there are various types of hibiscuses. A quick dip below 32°F followed by above freezing temps may not result in much damage provided the soil was kept moist. Of all the varieties, rosa-sinensis (aka, troppical hibiscus) is the most cold sensitive. Bring the plants indoors once overnight temperatures begin to drop below 50°F. Bring it outside in spring 2022 after your average date of last frost, which is around the 2nd/3rd week of April for Thomasville. At times, the damage may not be obvious immediately thereafter. Place the pot away from hot/cold air vents and near a south facing glass window or door but not touching the glass.
