I bought this hibiscus last week, but it didn't have a name tag. It looks like it might be one called 'Celia' (Double Red) Hibiscus??? I was also wondering if it will make it ok through the cold winter here in NY? ( photo / image / picture from Bluewing0's Garden )
This really looks like a patio plant, to me. I don't think it would be hardy in your zone. if you have a nice bright window or room to put in for the winter, I think you would be far more likely to keep it for next year. This is only my opinion, I just think the foliage looks like a house plant hibiscus, not a hardy hibiscus.
The shiny leaves appear to be of a tropical hibiscus which means it will not survive much further north than zone 9. I am in zone 7b-8a and it is an annual here. Like Carolyn said, inside in front of a bright,warm window and you should be able to keep it all winter.
I had one similar to that and it didn't make it through our zone 9A winter. I agree with Carolyn.... bring it in for the winter.
Yup. Nice. But not hardy. Please someone tell me if these tropical/exotic hibiscus can take full sun? Someone here in Romania told me they need shade, or they'd burn. True? I have one in a pot, and in the shade, but doesn't bloom (???)
Full sun but they don't bloom well in extremely harsh sunlight so afternoon shade if your temps go above about 90F/32C.
Thanks everyone! Whew, it's a good thing I asked because I was going to move a spirea on my bank and replace it with the hibiscus.
Thanks gardengirl I don't know why this type of hibiscus is sold in the outdoor garden centers if it can't survive the winters here Oh well, it would have looked nice in the garden with many buds left to open.. I plan on over-wintering it in my semi heated garage (55 degrees) and just hope it does well until it can go back outside in a better new pot in the spring. ( photo / image / picture from Bluewing0's Garden ) Newest flowers just opened.... ( photo / image / picture from Bluewing0's Garden )
Bluewing... I understand your frustration of plants being sold where they are not hardy. The stores could at least post big labels telling you so. Sure are beautiful flowers. I'd think 55F is warm enough to get it through. Good luck!
Cheryl, Yes, a sign of some sorts would have been nice. Something like, "Treat as an annual or house plant" Thanks for confirming that 55 degrees will warm enough It would be a shame to lose it.
Bluewing... don't take my word for it. I'm no expert by any means. I just know that I've kept some non-hardy plants alive at much colder temps. Please ask others in your zone to be sure. I'd hate for you to lose that gorgeous plant just on my say-so.
Hi Cheryl, Ok, I will see if I can't find out if 55 temps would be ok from someone who lives around here, or where they have very cold winters. Thanks
Bluewing0, These plants are grown where it is very cheap to produce them. Then they are trucked up here by the semi full and sold as annual/patio plants for people who don't realize the difference between these and hardy plants or people who just want that tropical feel to their deck/patio and don't really care if it is hardy or not. They don't plan on keeping it anyway. they toss them in the dumpster or trash after the first frost or when they have forgotten to water it. Since people keep buying them they keep sending them up here to sell. Personally, I love them, but don't want the care of a house plant for the winter. they are messy. If you plant to keep this over the winter, you should give it a very soapy bath and a good strong spray of water to wash any aphids or mealy bugs off the plant, checking carefully at the leaf axis' to make sure there are no creepy crawly's hiding there. The other product you could use is one that contains imiclodiprid. Bayer makes one for roses that is a fertilizer and systemic insecticide, which would definitely kill any pests sucking or chewing away on your plant. Just don't use the flowers for a food garnish if you choose this product.
Carolyn, Thanks for the explanation and advice on these plants I usually don't buy annuals/throw away plants, except for maybe a few wax begonias for an urn, everything else is perennial. I have a mop head and assumed anything that was in the same family but with different flowers would also be hardy for this area! Live and learn! I will definitely be more careful and know for sure what I'm buying next time. Oh, by the way Cherylad, the 55 degree temperatures will be fine :-D Thanks again
