I want a Hibiscus but have questions before I buy one

Discussion in 'Flower Gardening' started by Tina, May 5, 2012.

  1. Tina

    Tina Young Pine

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    I want one so bad. Especially after seeing the beautiful blossoms here. But before I go and get home one, wanted to ask a few questions.
    1. Are these perennials (I saw they write 'perennial' in the nursery)in Seattle - Zone 7
    2. Can I grow them in a container?
    3. Do I have to bring it indoors during winter?

    Any thing else I need to know?
    Thanks in advance!


    moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic
     
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  3. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Mainly remember that the Hibiscus with shiny, dark green leaves is a Tropical and either has to spend the winter indoors where it is warm and sunny or be treated as an annual. I am in zone 8a and they don't make it though sometimes.

    Find one called Hardy Hibiscus, the leaves are a duller green and it is generally hardy to zone 5 with lots of mulch in very cold winters.

    Also, Hardy Hibiscus usually only comes in white, red or pink although with new cultivars being created there might be more variety in the future.
     
  4. hummerbum

    hummerbum Young Pine

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    I don't know about Seattle weather for Hibiscus but here in 8b it is pretty much perennial. I leave mine out but with protection and always have. I would check with your garden centers in your area first before buying.

    If all else fails, i just posted more pics this a.m. under Over Nite Sensation and you can also check out my garden..I'm having so much fun!!!
    :-D
     
  5. Tina

    Tina Young Pine

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    Thanks!
    Hummerbum - your pics are what prompted this post :D
     



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  6. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

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    Tina, I have a hibiscus that I keep in the greenhouse year round. I fertilize and prune as needed. They are not hard to keep. I do find spidermites and aphids on occasion though, so be vigilant if you get one. the problem really seems to be in late winter and early spring most of the time for me though. I try to do everything I can without using chemical pesticides, but for this one I used a systemic fertilizer and insecticide to kill them off. just don't use the flowers for food decorations IF you would ever use flowers as a garnish.
     
  7. koszta kid

    koszta kid Young Pine

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    [​IMG]
    By kosztakid at 2011-09-29

    This is my Dinner plate one. I'm in zone 5 had 6 feet of snow on that area-in the past.. Late to come up here. Sometimes not until 1st of June. I give a shot of compost tea and mulch. And has gotten to -40 in past not this year.


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  8. hummerbum

    hummerbum Young Pine

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    Thanks Tina. Great to know that my pics actually inspire someone...lol.
     
  9. Mrs. Galeassi

    Mrs. Galeassi In Flower

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    I live in Florida we obviously don't get snow but sometimes it can get in the 30/40s during our winter. And my hibiscus do well. They are pretty resilient. When I first got them one had a hard time growing after the first winter. Almost as if it was stunted. But now its doing really well. Good luck!
     

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