As summer ended and fall began, I obsessively began to watch the temperatures. When the evenings dipped into the fifties, I knew it was time to pull in my hibiscus. I have two, and despite my disastrous attempts to overwinter last year’s plant,  I opted to try again, because I am in love with the shades of coral on the blooms.

As I write, my hibiscus are both in sorry states. One is holding onto its last bud, which I expect to bloom any day. The other is mostly stripped of leaves, and the foliage that remains is yellow. From what I have read, this withered state is to be expected. In my quest to save my hibiscus from last year’s terminal fate, I have researched and read articles on how to best winterize* hibiscus.  The following is a list of what I’ve learned:

1. Before bringing the plant inside, cut back the plant and rinse it to rid of any pests.

2. Allow the plant to acclimate to its new environments.

3. Expect the leaves to yellow and fall off the branches.

4. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to become bone-dry.

5. Leave it alone until March (in other words, resist the urge to feed it).

6.  After the first frost, gradually reintroduce the plant to the outdoors.

7. Cross your fingers and hope for the best. Otherwise, toss and buy a new love.

 

So far, my hibiscus is  doing what it’s supposed to do. I will let you know if I have any success with overwintering when spring returns.

*For Zones 7 and Up