I got a small plant off ebay and they said plant it right away it was November or early December and I was sure the thing was going to die. I forgot all about it till I saw something coming up in the area. Also I bought a Lord Baltimore Hardy Hibiscus and that bloomed and bloomed all summer with very little care.
These are all in the back corner of the yard where a hose does not reach and I have been happy with the low maintenance flowers and they never pout.
susan