It is easy to winterize hardy hibiscus plants, as they can stay outdoors all year long.Tropical hibiscuses should be brought indoors in the warmest parts of the country.The article will show you how to winterize both hardy and tropical varieties of hibiscus.
Step 1: Do you know whether the plant is hardy or tropical?
If you want to winterize your hibiscus, you need to know whether it is a hardy or tropical variety.Tropical varieties will need to be moved indoors once the temperature drops below 50 F, but hardy varieties can survive the winter outdoors in zones higher than 5.Dark, glossy leaves and smaller flowers are what tropical varieties have.Some solid color varieties exist, but the flowers are more likely to be bi-colored.These plants will die if the temperature is below 25 F.The leaves and blossoms of the hardy hibiscuses are rougher.They are more resistant to cold weather than their tropical brethren.
Step 2: In the late fall and early winter, feed the hibiscus with afertilizer.
If you want the plant to bloom the following year, feed it in October or November.New leafy growth will only be damaged by cold weather or lost during the winter if nitrogen is given to it at this time.
Step 3: The fall months are a good time to care for the plant.
If it doesn't rain, water the hibiscus once every week or two.Remove fallen leaves and other debris from the stems to help prevent disease.They will rebound in the spring with a flourish of lush green foliage and beautiful flowers after a few extra steps.You will no longer have to do these actions once you mulch the soil.
Step 4: The mulch should be applied to the soil around the plant.
The hibiscuses will be protected from any dips in temperature with heavy layers of mulch.Adding compost under the mulch may help protect these plants.Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems by spreading a 2- to 3-inch depth of organic mulch over the root zone.If it already has mulch around it, loosen the mulch with a rake and add new mulch to bring the total depth to 2 to 3 inches.
Step 5: The plants should be protected from the cold.
frost cloths can be used to counteract the effects of freezing temperatures.Areas that don't get a lot of frost can protect plants by using Christmas tree lights strung over the plant and plugged into the nearest outlet.These lights can be used under frost cloths or on their own.
Step 6: Put tropical hibiscus in pots.
If your tropical hibiscus is planted in the ground, you will need to transfer it to a large container so it can be kept warm.When planting, use houseplant soil instead of garden soil.Push the shovel into the soil 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 cm) away from the stems to sever the root.Lift it with the tip of the shovel.
Step 7: Check the container-grown hibiscus for any signs of disease.
Gardeners should check their container-grown hibiscuses for insects a few days before the temperatures start to drop.Gardeners should use a pesticide if harmful insects are noted.If one has family members that are prone to allergies, this is a good time to bring the hibiscus indoors.
Step 8: Before you bring the plant indoors, rinse it.
It's a good idea to rinse the plants off a few times.It helps to get rid of any bugs that may be in the foliage as well as any dirt that might still be on the leaves.It is possible to reduce the amount of dirt and allergens that are brought inside by wiping the container with a damp rag.
Step 9: The plant needs to be fertilized.
Adding a time-releasedFertilizer such as Osmocote to the plant before bringing it indoors can be helpful, because hibiscuses that are fertilized regularly will return more quickly in the spring.
Step 10: The plant should be Prune to make it more manageable.
Plants that have gotten too large may need to be trimmed before the winter so that they don't get too big.Pruning in the fall will help the flowers bloom more profusely during the spring and summer.If you want to get more flowers, pinch the tips of the new stems after they get to about 20.3 cm long and again when they reach 1 foot long.A lot of new stems and flowers will be created by pinching.
Step 11: You can find care instructions for your variety of hibiscus.
The hibiscus will need proper care if it is to survive the long winter months.Gardeners are advised to look at the plant they have and treat it accordingly.If the plant tag is lost or a gift from friends, this article will give some tips that apply to most hibiscuses.
Step 12: Provide the hibiscus with light.
The warmth of the sun and the light it emits will not be enough to thrive indoors.The plants should be placed next to a window.Plants that spend their winters in a room with no windows or low lighting will benefit from having their own lamp.Gardeners should keep the device away from the plants so that it doesn't burn them.Even a tiny space heater can adequately serve the purpose of keeping hibachies warm enough to survive in the cold.
Step 13: If possible, keep the temperature above 55 F.
Tropical plants prefer a temperature between 55 and 13 C.Gardeners will need to check their plant's specific needs when it comes to cold tolerance.
Step 14: The leaves can become scorched.
Depending on the species, direct sunlight is recommended for most.If the leaves on the plant begin to appear charred, it might be a good idea to move them to a place with less light.
Step 15: Make sure the soil is moist.
The individual varieties need water.In the wintertime, Chinese Hibiscuses will only need a small amount of water to keep the soil from drying out.Gardeners should be aware that the Mallow types don't like being overwatered.