The Care of Hibiscus Trees During the Winter

Tropical hibiscus trees can be moved indoors where they may continue blooming during the winter.

Hibiscus trees are members of the mallow family and with the proper care can provide months of vibrant blossoms. Many varieties of hibiscus exist throughout the United States. Perennial hibiscus plants, such as Texas star and rose of Sharon, die back completely in the winter. But tropical hibiscus, such as Chinese hibiscus, can be moved indoors after the fall where it may bloom throughout the winter months.

Things You'll Need

• Watering can
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Allow perennial hibiscus trees to die back completely in the winter. Do not remove the hibiscus unless you want to take cuttings for new plants. When the soil begins to warm in the spring, the tree begins to grow again. Perennial hibiscus trees do not need or require any winter maintenance to return in the spring.

2. Move tropical hibiscus trees indoors before the first frost, sometime in the late fall, depending on your location.

3. Place the hibiscus in a cool room that receives abundant morning sunshine. Avoid placing the tree in a room that will warm up significantly during the day. A cool, sunny room is best for wintering a hibiscus tree.

4. Water the tree only when the soil is dry to the touch. You should wait for the soil to dry between watering again, otherwise you may damage the root system.

5. Prune one-third to one-half of the hibiscus tree down in late January with gardening shears. This stimulates new growth and blooming in the spring.

6. Move your hibiscus outdoors when there is no longer any danger of frost.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need to fertilize the hibiscus tree during the winter. Once the spring arrives, you can increase watering and add a well-balanced liquid fertilizer to stimulate the new growth.

References

• University of Arkansas Extension: Hibiscus
• Texas A&M Extension; Follow Proper Pruning Techniques; Douglas F. Welsh, et al.; 2008