A friend recently asked me on Facebook if she can take her tropical Hibiscus inside to go dormant over the winter, and it reminded me of a post about this many years ago – Here it is below.

I would like to add that basically the answer is yes. They may be moved inside as a houseplant by a sunny window, OR these plants may be stored in the basement (unheated) where it remains cool, dark, and not below freezing. You keep the soil on the dry side (limited watering over the winter months). Most tropical Hibiscus are hardy to at least 45 degrees F. Watch out for pests such as aphids or white fly. You may want to have an organic spray handy if you spot any on them after moving them in – look at the underside of the leaves to inspect.

Don’t confuse the tropical Hibiscus with those which look similar but are hardy. Some people get confused, as noted on this blog post from years prior.

For example, some types of Rose-of-Sharon shrubs have similar looking flowers which folks have confused with a tropical, non-hardy Hibiscus plant.

There are “perennial, hardy Hibiscus” plants too – which usually have dish plate size flowers. One example is Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’ hardy in zones 4-9. These may be left in the ground over the winter outdoors in Connecticut planting zones.

If you are not sure which type you have, and want me to take a look, text me a photo! Cathy T