Expert: Tom Alonzo - 10/21/2009

Question
I do have a hardy hibiscus of -30 below and I did plant it in a pot and it turned out beautiful, better then the ones I planted in the ground.  My question is now that frost has gotten it is it to late to plant it in the ground and if I don't will it be alright in the pot outside for the winter or should it be brought in if I'm  going to keep it in the pot?

Answer
Hi Marcia,
Thanx for your question.  If you do not anticipate that the ground will freeze solid for the next 30-45 days, I would go ahead and plant the hardy hibiscus and then I would mulch it heavily with cypress chips, leaves or straw.  It will be okay through the winter.  Be aware though that the plant is late to emerge in the spring and you won't see any activity from it until mid-May or so, depending upon how far north you are.  In the Kansas City area, where I am, our hardy hibiscuses generally begin emergining in early May.  

The other alternative is to keep the pot in a cold shed or garage (some place that does not get warm) for the winter.  Water the pot once a week to keep it from drying out.  Take it back outdoors in the spring after the last frost and plant the plant in full sun.

I hope this helps.
Tom