Last Updated on October 19, 2022

Do Hibiscus Plants Come Back Every Year?

Do hibiscus plants come back every year? Yes, cold hardy hibiscus plants will go dormant and come back in the spring every year in the right growing zone. Tropical varieties will stay evergreen in warm climates, but are otherwise grown as annuals, or kept as houseplants.

Will hibiscus survive winter?

You’re in luck: hibiscus will happily grow in winter under a shop light or plant light. (Tip: It’s not necessary to splurge on a fancy, expensive plant light; a good, old-fashioned shop light works. That’s what I always used.) The more light you give your hibiscus over winter, the happier it will be.

What do I do with my hibiscus in the winter?

Once indoors, place hibiscus in bright light with some direct sunlight daily. It rests somewhat during the winter, and at that time it enjoys room temperatures lower that your normal ones – more like 55 degrees. Do not fertilize during the winter rest period.

Do you cut back hibiscus for winter?

For the most part, hibiscus plants can be lightly pruned in late summer or early fall, but no hibiscus pruning should be done during late fall or winter. One of the downsides to waiting later in the season to prune is that plants may not develop as many branches and they will put out fewer blooms.

Is hibiscus plant annual or perennial?

perennials
There are two varieties of Hibiscus: hardy Hibiscus and tropical Hibiscus. Both types are perennials, but the tropical variety is grown as an annual in some instances.

Is my hibiscus dead or dormant?

If possible, use your fingernails or a garden knife to gently scrape a tiny portion of the top layer of the bark. If you find it green and moist on the inside, congratulations! In the coming spring, your hardy hibiscus will bloom. Sadly, if it’s brown and dry inside with no colors of life, then it’s probably dead.

How do I winterize my hibiscus in the ground?

Overwintering in Warmer Climates One of the best ways to protect outdoor hibiscus that are planted in the ground is to mulch over the root zone and around the main stem of the plant. A thick layer of leaves or compost can help protect the roots and keep them from freezing at night.

What is the lowest temperature a hibiscus can tolerate?

For the most part, hibiscus are pretty tolerant. But, because it is a tropical plant, it’s best to protect it from temperatures below about 50F (10C) or so. Tropical hibiscus can survive dips in temperature, but may show damage or even die back if it drops below about 35F (1.5C).

How do I revive my hibiscus plant after winter?

To revive a dying hibiscus ensure the soil is moist rather then saturated, mist the leaves to increase humidity and ensure your hibiscus has at least 5 hours of sunlight. Once you have adjusted the conditions to suit the hibiscus, new growth should emerge in the Spring and the plant should recover.

Will my hibiscus come back after a freeze?

This shrubby plant can survive an occasional frost, but its stems and leaves may die back a bit. As long as the roots don’t freeze, you can prune the dead parts away, and new growth will sprout in spring.

How do I prepare my hibiscus for winter?

To prepare a hardy hibiscus for winter, apply a heavy layer of organic mulch to the soil around the plant to protect its roots. Place frost cloths or string lights over the plant to provide warmth and keep the leaves from freezing.

What kills hibiscus plants?

Some common insects that destroy hibiscus are aphids, ants, thrips, coast flies, fungus, and mosquitoes. Most hibiscus plants become infected by insects due to poor management techniques. Watering and feeding your plant properly will make your plant healthy and will develop its natural resistance to these pests.

What does hibiscus look like in winter?

You can expect to see a moderate amount of yellow leaves on your hibiscus when you take care of a hibiscus indoors over the winter. This is normal, and the plant is acting normally. If all the leaves have fallen off but the branches are still pliable, your hibiscus has just gone into full dormancy.