How To Help Prepare Your Beautiful Hardy Hibiscus Plant For Winter

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Hibiscus can add a tropical aura to your yard, reminiscent of summer vacation destinations. After all, the yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii. So, it's no surprise that many homeowners use these plants to give backyards a resort-like feel. But what happens when the weather turns cold? One of the most important care tips is learning how to prepare your hardy hibiscus for winter. The goal is to do what you can to make sure all parts of the plant are protected against the winter chill so it can thrive once again come spring.

Unlike tropical varieties, hardy hibiscus can withstand a good deal of cold weather. They typically thrive in hardiness zones 4 through 9. As a result, they usually make it through mild to moderate winter weather in these areas unscathed. However, if severe winter weather hits — even when the winter weather forecast calls for a mild season – hardy hibiscus can sustain substantial damage. Proper winter prep can help these flowering plants emerge stronger in the spring, even after a mild season.

How you care for a hardy hibiscus in winter depends on whether it's planted in the ground or in a pot. Plants that are growing in containers or pots are pretty simple to care for during winter. Essentially, all you really need to do is bring your potted hardy hibiscus indoors. This can be done for short periods, such as when severe weather is predicted, or for the entire winter season. Regardless of how long you have your potted plant indoors, the key is to keep the air temperature around the mid-50s and make sure the plant gets a few hours of sunlight daily.

Winter prep for a hardy hibiscus planted in the ground is quite a bit different. The first step to winterization actually begins in autumn. In fall, you should deeply water the soil around the plant, especially before any cold weather, much the same as you would to protect the trees in your yard from frost. Moist soil not only provides hydration to the plant, but it also retains heat better than dry soil.

The first frost of the year is typically your cue to take the next step towards protecting your hardy hibiscus from the upcoming winter weather. Hibiscus usually begins to enter dormancy following a frost. As this happens and the leaves begin to die, you should trim back the stems, leaving only a few inches protruding above the soil. However, it is important not to trim them back too soon. Hardy hibiscus can often thrive throughout the year if winter weather remains mild and live leaves help insulate the plant during this time. Once they have begun to die back, trimming the stems short will help protect the plant from being damaged by ice, wind, and cold temperatures.

Finally, add insulating layers for protection. For the roots, scattering mulch or mulch or straw around the base of the plant to help retain heat in the soil. You can add as much as a foot of mulch for this purpose. Next, wrap the above-ground portion in burlap or a frost cloth, such as an AlpineReach Plant Cover. These few simple steps now will help your hardy hibiscus rest easy through winter and wake up ready to show off its colorful blooms again in spring.