I Live In Kentucky And I Have A Hibiscus Tree…
Kellie Asked
I live in Kentucky and I have a hibiscus tree outside and winter is here. I am wondering what to do with it. I’m not sure if I can leave it outside or if i should bring it inside?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Kellie: I am assuming you are referring to a tropical hibiscus just to be clear, because there are hardy hibiscus but since you mentioned that it is a tree form it is certainly a tropical plant. The main difference between the two besides the hardiness factor is the size of the blooms. The hardy plant has dinner-plate size blooms and the tropical plant has considerably smaller flowers. If you have not already done so it must come indoors during the winter months. It will not survive the winter temperatures we have here in Kentucky. If it has not already been brought indoors it may have some damage but as long as the roots are fine it will survive. The ideal place to over-winter this tropical is 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. Do not be surprised if it drops some of its foliage, there is always a certain amount of stress involved when moving plants from one environment to another. 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. You can resume fertilizing and increase your watering at this time.
