Transplanting Habiscus?

Western · Nov 23, 2009

My wife bought 3 Hibiscus (sic) plants this spring, in pots. She now wants me to plant them in the yard " someplace". The leaves are still green since we haven't had a freeze or really cool weather yet.

Has anyone been through this? Do I need to let the plants freeze in the pots, then plant? or go ahead and set them. I obviously know jack about Hibiscus plants.

Thanks

jinman · Nov 23, 2009

The normal hibiscus plants sold at garden centers in this area will not winter over well. If they freeze, they'll be goners. They are a tropical plant that loves sun and sandy dry feet (only slightly damp). If you set them out, you will need to cover and insulate them well. I've never been able to have them survive without putting them into my garage or a greenhouse that is kept warm. They are lousy for wintering over. I know it may be hard to convince your wife, but you are going to have far less hassle and mess to clean up if you just toss the ones you have and buy new ones next spring.

For me, they are an annual plant just like petunias and begonias. My wife kept ours for two years in our garage and the mess of cleaning up leaves was terrible. They didn't grow much bigger than they already were. I like to buy them in one gallon pots and set them out in the spring. They will grow up to 4' tall in one season and have lots of beautiful blooms if you place them properly in your yard.

If this saves you a honey-dew job, you owe me a cup of coffee.

BTW: There is a Tx native hibiscus that has small blooms and grows to a shrub-like bush about 12' tall. These can be quite showy and require a lot less maintenance.

6thgpSF · Nov 23, 2009

I have both the tropical and the hardy kind.The tropical varieties I 've had for 6yrs. now and they go into my greenhouse before the first killing freeze. I used to trim them back severely when I bring them in but this winter I'll just let them grow.I also have three varieties of the hardy type that I planted 4yrs. ago.They pretty much take care of theirselves. they produce hugh red white and pink flowers.some of the flowers are close to a foot across and bloom mid spring to late summer.I also found out you can start new plants of both the tropical and hardy by cuttings. russ

Western · Nov 23, 2009

Thanks for your reply's.

I owe you a cup..I really didn't know where on 15 acres I could fit them..LOL We had one in town, it was probably 10' high, must have been the native one. It made huge flowers all summer. She was hoping for the same thing.. They did grow well though, doubled in size this summer..

Countrygirl10 · Nov 23, 2009

You can plant them but you must protect them too, cover with something.

If not the very first frost will kill them. If it is a tree hibiscus, better to not plant in ground.

You will need to cut them back,this will help with growth next spring.

I love hibiscus, beautiful blooms.

Remember if it blooms you need to feed it

I recommend Miracle Grow.

Hoosier_Daddy · Nov 23, 2009

Hey, My gal bought 4. looked good all summer... she finally planted them. I am in Indiana.
Have had them before that made it for several years. We will see. Just never know where the box stores get them..

jinman · Nov 24, 2009

This is why I love this site. There are so many people with great info on almost any topic, even "high-biskits."

Western · Nov 24, 2009

Well discussed it with the boss, she put in the work order soooo.. Since our house is a "union" at least that's what the preacher said 22 yrs ago that we where "joining a union"...never got the card though? huh..

I will dig some holes and see what happens. I can tell you they wont get covered, so thier probably gonners.

They are nice plants, seem to like allot of water and responded good to fertilyzer.