Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/9/2010

Question
I recieved a annual hibiscus for mothers day. I live in northeastern Ohio. It is in a pot. about 2 feet tall with a braded looking stem and three pinkish colored blooms about 3 to 4 inchs[the blooms]. Is this a something I should plant outside? If so will it come back next spring after our not so nice winter.  I believe I am in zone 5. I am very new to gardening.  the card that came on the plant says in grows 10-15' tall,   36-48" wide.  please help would love to keep this gift from my daughter. Thank you' Renee

Answer
Renee,
This tropical hibiscus is grown as a novelty (hence the braided stem) not as a long-lived plant. In your zone and mine, these plants don't survive the winter outdoors. If you want to try and keep this gift, transplant it immediately into a clay pot that is twice as wide as the pot that it's in now. You'll want a clay pot because it's heavier.  Put the plant outside after Memorial day, and add a bit of time-release fertilizer such as Osmocote Plus.  Water the plant every day in hot summer weather, every other day if the temps are cooler.

In the fall bring the plant inside and put it in the sunniest window you have. Water when it's dry, but don't fertilize in the winter. Be on the lookout for whitefly, which is a small, white bug that attacks this plant indoors. If you see signs of it, spray with insecticidal soap every week.

Since this braided stem plant is grown as a novelty, know that it might not last for years and years. If it doesn't do well, Renee, know that this plant is merely a symbol of your daughters love, and her regard and caring outlives all plants.

I hope hope this helps,
C.L.