10 answers

Anyone Have a Hibiscus??

So, my hubby bought me a beautiful hibiscus braided tree. While I've always thought they were beautiful plants - I have NO idea how they work .. I think they can be outdoors but then moved in for the winter ... do I have to do this in TX? I'm leery to keep it, b/c it seems like such a fragile plant unless you live in Florida or someplace really tropical.

Any advice or suggestions ... if it is a tricky plant, then I think we could return it. Oh .. is there any way I can keep it indoors year round, or does it have to be outside to bloom?

Thanks for any tips! :-D
S. :-D

What can I do next?

Featured Answers

Hi S.,

I was given a very SMALL Hibiscus one year as a gift by one of my grandsons. I put it in the kitchen window and watered it lovingly. It outGREW the window!! *LOL*

Here in Texas the Hibiscus canNOT be raised OUTdoors. They must be wintered inside. They can't take the *ahem* winter cold. Two of my neighbors winter theirs in their garages, and put them out after the last frost of the year. They are then fertilized and watered and bloom until it's time to put them away again for the winter.

They are beautiful plants, but no, they're not outdoor planting types of plants.

JC...a granny in Richardson

PS....I say *ahem* to the Texas winter cold, as I grew up in Oregon *LOL

More Answers

Hi S.! I have had hibiscus plants for years and have a set way that I take care of mine every year. First of all my hibiscus plants always did better outside- they are tropical plants and love water and lots of humidity. I use a spray fertilizer that is super easy that I got at walmart that I spray on them once a week- this makes the blooms HUGE! I also like to spary them with a water mist after I water mine in the evening as well. If you plan on planting the tree in the ground make sure that you dig it up and place it in burlap and put it in the garage before a freeze- they will die if you leave them out in a freeze and will not come back. They are easy plants to take care of they do fine with just water if you don't want to go through the trouble. Well hope this helped I have a green thumb so just thought I would share how I take care of mine :-) Good Luck!

We live between Lubbock and Amarillo. I plant mine in flower pots, outside all spring summer and fall until time for a hard freeze. If yours has dark green, shinnie leaves it has to be brought in before a hard freeze. If it has lighter green leaves it can be left in the ground in the winter and just covered with mulch. Hope this helps.

Hi S.,

I was given a very SMALL Hibiscus one year as a gift by one of my grandsons. I put it in the kitchen window and watered it lovingly. It outGREW the window!! *LOL*

Here in Texas the Hibiscus canNOT be raised OUTdoors. They must be wintered inside. They can't take the *ahem* winter cold. Two of my neighbors winter theirs in their garages, and put them out after the last frost of the year. They are then fertilized and watered and bloom until it's time to put them away again for the winter.

They are beautiful plants, but no, they're not outdoor planting types of plants.

JC...a granny in Richardson

PS....I say *ahem* to the Texas winter cold, as I grew up in Oregon *LOL

I bought a home here in Lewisville last year. The daughter of the previous owner made it a point to speak with me directly to let me know that the small "tree" in our backyard was a 200 yr old hibiscus..and if I ever did not want it to please call her and she would dig it up in the later months..I LOVE it so I have taken care of it how she said. ( my house is not 200 yrs old) her great great grandpa brought it from mississipi and planted it at a homestead..and then about 30 yrs ago her fater went to the homestead and brought it "home") anyway, in the winter it loses all its leaves and looks dead..but now its all green again and has buds on it..she said they never had a problem..but maybe because its 7 ft tall? not sure ..but mine is very low mait. If you have any questions emial me at ____@____.com

They do wonderful in Texas. They are not as fragile as they seem. They love sun and heat. We keep them outside all spring, summer and fall and only bring them in during winter. They do very well in large planters which makes them easy to move around. They have been growing and blooming beautifully for three years now. Enjoy it!

Ask someone at the nursery or florist where you husband got it about care for this specific plant. If it is a "hardy" variety, then it can be planted outdoors. I have several hardy hibiscus plants that I've planted outdoors and they come back every year. If it is a tropical hibiscus, it will need to be in a container and brought inside during the winter. It can also be put in a window indoors and will do great where there is plenty of sunshine. Hibiscus are BEAUTIFUL plants and easy to take care of. Keep it and enjoy it!!!! :)

Hi S.,

I've had Hibiscus plants (both hardy and tropical) for years. Yours is definitely tropical. You can't buy a braided hardy, and hardies usually aren't even available in nurseries yet. Yours will be beautiful outside until this fall. I usually start bringing mine inside once the temp. starts dropping in the 40s at night. Good luck and ENJOY!!! The hibiscus is my favorite flower of all!

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