Hello,

We have Hibiscus plants along our front walk way and they been in the ground for 2 years but during the winter we have a few days when in dips down into the low 30's. Last year we bought plankets, they are just some green material that are suppose to work as blankets but they don't. Our plants did suffer from these plankets because water , and dew goes right through them and it freezes up. What is the best way to protect these plants without pulling them out of the ground? Thank you.

Where are these plants located?

These plants are in Clayton, California 94517

A Tropical Hibiscus can not take temperatures below freezing. You are on the lower edge of where they will survive so winter is going to be a challenge. Although your Hibiscus are suffering some frost damage, the Frost Blanket may be what's keeping them alive. The blankets are meant to be put over the plants in the fall and removed in the spring so water needs to go through them.

Don't prune your Hibiscus in the fall. Those of us in cold country don't prune until AFTER things leaf out. There is always going to be some dieback on the more sensitive plants. If we prune in the fall or winter, the dieback is from where we pruned. If we wait, the dieback is what we would have pruned off if we had done it in the fall.

Hi all, I have a bright red hibiscus and was told it was a king something and dose not make seeds. Can I move this plant now or wait for spring. It did not grow in this spot and I cannot get a cutting to root. Please help. Alda zone 8A

Hibiscus are notoriously hard to root from cuttings but it does work. Try putting a drop of Hydrogen Peroxide in the water, keep the water clean and add a drop of Hydrogen Peroxide everytime you change the water.

Luckily, they are very easy to transplant. Early spring or fall are the best times. Remember that they do best in full sun with lots of water.

DaisyI said:Hibiscus are notoriously hard to root from cuttings but it does work.

Really? I've rooted at least eight different species and several cultivars with little problem, but I root in various materials, sand, vermiculite or seed starting mix not water.

I've had a hard time getting hibiscus to root in water, but they have all rooted quickly when placed in either potting soil or perlite.

@Edsbiscus I agree with Daisy about that blanket. Although your plants may be getting some frost damage, the blanket is still protecting your plants. When the blanket gets wet and freezes, it actually provide an extra layer of insulation from the cold wind. Tropicals will survive temps below freezing if it is not to much below and is short term, but they will take some frost damage, covered or not. Keep covering with the blanket on nights when temps are expected near freezing and uncover during the day for sunshine. Prune back the damage when all danger of frost is over.