I have a tree hibiscus that I'd like to winter over?

and I don't know how to do that. Do I just bring it in and withhold watering 'till spring? Do I trim it? Do I keep it alive and watered in a sunny window?





I live in Illinois...middle upper

I have a tree hibiscus that I'd like to winter over?
A Hibiscus in a pot should be brought inside and set in a sunny place in winter in cold areas (below 32 F a hibiscus will die). You can trim it back if it's unruly. But, don't remove too much foliage. It still needs the leaves to undergo photosynthesis and feed the plant.





Regarding watering, a hibiscus may or may not grow much in the winter. This has to do with both low temperatures and shorter periods of sunlight. And, the worst thing you can do to it during that time is to overwater it. If it needs water, it will let you know (droopy leaves). Water it then, but make sure you drain it well. Do not leave it in standing water, as this may (and probably will) cause root rot.





Don't worry if you don't see any new growth or flowers throughout the time it's indoors. But, don't be surprised if you do. After all threat of freezing temperatures is over in the spring (probably around April or May in Illinois), you can set it outside again. But, expose it to full sun gradually. If it's been indoors for months - even if it's in a sunny place - it can be susceptible to sunburn if not exposed to the sun gradually. Find a place that gets indirect sunlight for a few days. Then move it further out into the sun a bit at a time and it should be fine.
Reply:Bring it in I live in Georgia and made the mistake of planting mine last year and it did not survive the winter. I looked up the care on Google but I forgot what all it said since mine died anyway...


Gosh it was a pretty one too
Reply:I don't have any. In Kansas City, there are some types just left in the ground. I hope somebody smart sees this one.
Reply:I killed mine so I looked up how you can save yours. They of course are tropical plants that do no tolerate cold. Blankets, cardboard or a nice thick layer of mulch will truly help. Plastic is better than nothing but does not offer enough protection. Do not spray to ice over the plant as it will kill it. Do not prune your plant until spring when the limbs are living.


That should help!!!


Good Luck!!! Everyone loves a hibiscus!!!