Hibiscus Care in Chicago?

Question

I have a hibiscus bush that remains outdoors year round in Chicago. We've had it for about 4 years and we keep it at about 4-1/2 ft tall. We've only trim it a couple times a year. My questions are... we want to move it so is this a good time or should we wait until the spring and should we be cutting it back every year, if so when is a good time?

Answer 1

The other answerer is giving you (good) info. on a potted or tropical hibiscus.

If yours is outside all year round, as you indicate, you have "Rose of Sharon", Hibiscus syriacuse.

Cut back the shrub after the leaves have fallen off for the winter, or before the buds start growing in the spring. I live in a similar climate to you (USDA hardiness zone 5), I do mine on Thanksgiving day, while the cooks are cooking. I cut mine 6-8" shorter than I want the plant to be in height, during the season. So if I want it to be 4'6" tall in the summer, I cut it to 4' or 3'8"... so that it grows up to the size I want.

That way, I'm only trimming once per year. Also, rose of sharon sets it's flower buds on the active seasons growth, I don't want to cut off my flower buds, so summer pruning is out of the question anyhow.

Fall is a great time to transplant just about anything. With rose of sharon it's very important to keep it moist in the fall, so be sure to water, even if it's cooler outside.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 2

Hack it back now but more importantly repot it. It will have brown roots that need to come off. Don't be timid either cut' em off. It's a tough plant I promise. When indoors this winter be careful of placing it near heat registers.

Answer 3

Move it anytime during its dormant period which is typically after first freeze of Autumn and the last freeze of winter. It will suffer less shock that way.
Good Luck