Do You Keep Hibiscus Trees In The House In The…
Della Asked
Do you keep hibiscus trees in the house in the winter?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Della: I am assuming you are referring to a tropical hibiscus, the ones you see in all the garden centers this time of year. They are available in tree form as well as shrubs. If this is the case, the answer is yes, it must come indoors during the winter months. It would not survive the winter temperatures we have here in Kentucky. Bring your plant indoors before the first frost and place it in a bright room with good filtered light. You can cut back on your watering as well as fertilizing at this time. You do not want the hibiscus to completely dry out but the soil should not be sopping wet either. Watering will depend on the temperature and humidity of your home. The light levels are lower during the winter months and the hibiscus will not likely bloom, but can successfully be over-wintered indoors and then taken back outside after the frost-free date passes in May. Hibiscus blooms best in full sun but when you take your tropical back outside after the winter, remember to gradually move it to a sunny location. It will need to be acclimated from being inside all winter long.
