| I live in the northern Virginia area. I recently was given a Hibiscus. Is this a plant that needs to be planted in the ground or can it remain in a pot? If I do plant it in the ground can it be left over the winter months? If so, is there any special care that needs to be given? |
| If you have a Chinese, or Tropical Hibiscus, it will grow best indoors during the winter. If your hibiscus is the perennial kind, often called Rose-Mallow, then it's hardy and can be planted outdoors. The perennial hibiscus will grow 6-8 feet tall in full sunshine. The plants will die down in the winter, but new stems and branches will grow each spring. The plants need protection from winds, which may burn the flowers. Mulch the plant with 2 inches of organic matter to help retain moisture and to suppress weeds. Hibiscus flowers in red, rose, pink, or white, depending on variety, and the flowers can reach 12 inches across. Enjoy! |
