How do you take care of a Hibscus and should it be planted in full sun or shade?

Question

Can a Hibscus tolerate cold weather? I started the Hibscus by its seed and now its about 2 inches in height, when do I need to transplant in the ground?

Answer 1

From my observations, hibiscuses tend to grow best with plenty of light and enough water. As for the cold weather, it really depends on the variety and the degree of coldness you expect. I live in Louisiana, and there are some varieties that live outdoors all year. However, the specimens I know of are sheltered from the wind. There is also at least one wild variety that grows in ditches, but I had one of those growing in my yard and it froze. Our winters are not exceptionally cold, either. I also know that some varieties always freeze if they are not properly attended during the winter. Hibiscuses can grow in pots, but after a few years your pot may get very large. I think they can be grown from seed or cuttings, but the rate of success of each of those methods also depends upon the variety. Aside from all that, you can try searching for hibiscuses here: http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/
http://www.gardenweb.com/ also has forums where you can ask more experienced gardeners about things like this. Good luck!

Answer 2

This depends on what kind of hibiscus you have. There are cold weather types that live year long In the ground. If you have one of these in the fall they will appear as dead but just wait till late spring and you will see twice the growth as the previous year. They love full to part sun. Other types of the hibiscus can be kept inside due to the cold they will stay green and flower all year with the right light and fertilizer

Answer 3

If the leaves are shiny means its cold tolerate... I had one in Ohio in the full sun, you need to transplant when the the roots are full in the pot... I sugest when its a foot tall or more to transplant... If you live in a tropical enviroment then it would be ok for the shiny leaf..

Answer 4

you can keep a hibiscus in a planter forever if you wish. if you live in a winter climate you can winter it in your house.in a pot. it need part sun part shade ,too much sun will cause all the blooms to pop right away and not enough will cause it to stop growing.if it is really hot out be sure to water it often.but only if its dry down to the fisrt joint on your finger. pull blooms off as soon as the wilt, that will encourage more blooms. i know because i worked in the floral industry for 3yrs.