Expert: C.L. Fornari - 3/10/2007

Question
We live in Dallas, TX.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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I have coleus &  habiscus should I have cut them down in the winter or will they even come back in the spring?
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Cheryl,
I can't really answer this for you unless I know where you live.  In areas where it goes below freezing these plants die in the winter, but in areas that stay above 45 degrees they will come back.  Where do you live and how cold does it get in the winter where you are?

till later,
C.L.

Answer
OK - Dallas TX is in a zone 8b - which means a warm zone 8....unfortunately, not warm enough for Coleus or Hibiscus to make it through the winter. So unless you have had a VERY mild winter, these plants are probably history.  If I were you I'd cut them down to about 6" tall and watch them - if you've had a mild enough winter, or if you have a particularly hardy plant, they would sprout from that 6" stub.  If not, you'll have to buy new plants and put them into the garden when it's planting time in your area.  So cut them back and hope for the best, but be prepared to get new plants.

wishing you an early spring,
C.L.