These care tips for a potted hibiscus in winter will help you keep it healthy indoors until spring.
Hibiscus are amazing, high flower-power shrubs thatgrow easily in containersand can provide years of enjoyment.
However,tropical hibiscus(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)is not a fan of cold weather.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
If temperatures drop below freezing where you live, you must bring your container-planted hibiscus indoors over the winter.
Fortunately, keeping them happy through the colder months in the house isnt difficult.
Here’s what you better know.
Note: this guide refers toH.
rosa-sinensis, commonly known as tropical hibiscus.
Rose of Sharon (H. syriacus)and hardy hibiscus (commonlyH.
moscheutos)are different species that are cold-hardy to varying degrees.
The other important thing is keeping an eye out for pests.
Light
Tropical hibiscusdo best in full sun, and thats often a challenge when bringing plants indoors.
At the minimum, find a draft-free south or west facing window that gets strong sunlight even in winter.
Growth naturally slows in winter, especially if the light levels are less than ideal.
As the plant grows more slowly, it will use less water andneed watering less frequently than in summer.
It should feel damp but not wet.
If it starts to dry out, give the hibiscus a long drink.
The plant needs less fertilizer because it isn’t producing much, if any, new growth.
Applying fertilizer in winter just wastes product and potentially builds up salts in the potting mix.
Cut back on fertilizer as autumn approaches, andstop fertilizing in winterunless you see signs of a nutrient deficiency.
When the weather has warmed enough in spring to set your hibiscus back outdoors, start fertilizing again.
Pests and diseases can hitch a ride indoors whenbringing plants in for the winter.
If not, see the next section.
Use a bright light and check the undersides of the leaves, stems, and buds weekly.
Look forspider mites,aphids,thrips, and other common pests.
If you spot any, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soaps.
You may need to do this more than once to completely clear up the problem.
Hibiscus bloom on new wood, so pruning wont prevent flowering, only possibly delay it.
After sitting indoors all winter, yourplant needs to be hardened offby gradually acclimating it to the outdoors.
Begin by setting it outdoors in a spot out of direct sunlight.
Of course, wait to set your hibiscus outdoors until temperatures have warmed to above 50F at night.
Bring it back indoors for any brief spring cold snaps.
