The hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is famous for the large, showy flowers it produces. It’s also a tropical plant that thrives in heat and humidity but you can learn how to grow hibiscus in cold climates with a few simple tricks.
There are over 200 hibiscus species that range in size from large plants to trees. All species produce large, colorful blooms and one of the species will be just right for you to grow wherever that you live.
Winter Hobby
A hibiscus will need to be grown in a container in cold climates and be treated as an indoor-outdoor plant. During the warm months, the plant can live outdoors and when the weather begins to turn cool the plant will need to be brought indoors for the winter.
Growing hibiscus in cold climates is an excellent winter hobby because unlike most plants, the hibiscus will need regular maintenance.
Outdoor Time
Hibiscus can grow outdoors in containers as long as the temperature s above 45F (7.222C). Select a container that is slightly small for the size of your hibiscus, the plant grows best when the roots are crowded.
Place the container in a sunny location so the plant will receive at least 6-hours of direct sunlight each day. Keep soil moist and feed once a month with one-half the amount of your favorite organic fertilizer. The plant prefers small feedings more often instead of a large feeding in spring.
Indoor Transition
Start preparing your hibiscus 4-weeks before time to bring it indoors for the winter. In late summer give the plant a gentle wash down with a water hose. The water spray will remove any pests or bacteria that might be clinging to the plant. Spray the hibiscus with water twice, 1-week apart.
On the third week, spray the hibiscus with an organic horticulture oil to kill any pests that might be on the plant and survived the water spray. Spray with horticulture oil again on the fourth week.
Prune plant and move it to a sheltered location, like on a covered porch or carport for a few days. Move plant to a sunny location during the afternoons.
Bring Indoors
Feed the hibiscus and bring it indoors. Place the container in a sunny room or greenhouse for the winter. During the winter the plant will only need 2-3 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Keep soil moist with regular watering and reduce feedings to every 6-weeks.
Spring Move
When the weather warms in the spring, slowly transition the hibiscus to outdoor life by moving it outdoors on sunny afternoons. As the days grow longer and warmer, allow the plant to remain outdoors longer each day until it becomes acclimated enough to remain outdoors all summer.
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