When Can You Plant Hibiscus Outside?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The best time to plant hibiscus, either hardy or tropical, is in

spring after the weather has warmed

. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Hibiscus grows well in raised beds, particularly if the soil at ground level doesn’t drain freely.

When can I put my hibiscus plant outside?


Wait until the night time temperatures are reliably above 50 degrees

before putting your hibiscus outdoors. Place it in a part-shade location at first (a couple of hours of morning sun is perfect) and gradually move it into full-sun over a period of two or three weeks. If some leaves get sun burned, don’t worry.

What is the best month to plant hibiscus?

Plant hibiscus in full sun, in either

spring

(perennial hibiscus) or late spring/early summer (tropical hibiscus). Prepare the soil to plant perennial hibiscus by adding Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Flowers.

Can hibiscus plants survive the winter?

The hibiscus will lose most of its leaves and all of its flower buds when you move it into such a situation. However,

the plant should survive the winter

and will leaf out in spring when temperatures warm and you can place it outdoors again. Be sure the overwintering location you choose will not fall below 50 degrees.

What temp is too cold for hibiscus?

For the most part, hibiscus are pretty tolerant. But, because it is a tropical plant, it’s best to protect it from temperatures below about

50F (10C) or so

. Tropical hibiscus can survive dips in temperature, but may show damage or even die back if it drops below about 35F (1.5C).

Where should I plant my hibiscus outside?

Choose a location with

full sun and well-drained soil

, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Hibiscus grows well in raised beds, particularly if the soil at ground level doesn’t drain freely. Hardy hibiscus tolerates more moisture than tropical hibiscus, and it can be grown beside a stream or pool.

Does hibiscus need full sun?

Location and Light


Hardy Hibiscus does best in full sun

. They will grow in partial shade, but growth and flowering will suffer. If you live in areas with very hot summers, during the hottest part of the day, Hibiscus may need shade. Hibiscus should be planted along, or in the back of perennial flower beds.

Do hibiscus come back every year?


The hardy or perennial Hibiscus comes back every year

. … Essentially, you should handle tropical Hibiscus plants as annuals. Most gardeners replant them annually or bring them indoors during the cold months. The perennial Hibiscus, on the other hand, dies back to the ground in winter and grows again in the Spring.

How do I know if my hibiscus is hardy or tropical?


Deep green leaves with a high gloss signify

a tropical hibiscus. Heart-shaped, dull-colored leaves signify a hardy hibiscus. Perennial hibiscus plants are also called hardy hibiscus plants. Deep green leaves with a high gloss signify a tropical hibiscus.

Why are hibiscus leaves turning yellow?


Too much water or not enough can result in

hibiscus leaves turning yellow. While hibiscus plants require lots of water, especially during periods of excessive heat or windy conditions, overwatering can be detrimental. … Inadequate drainage can also affect the hibiscus and yellow leaves often result.

How do I protect my outdoor hibiscus for the winter?

Hardy hibiscus are considered a perennial plant, not a shrub, so they will die down to the ground each winter. To help them survive the cold, cover the plants with

a thick (8- to 12 inch) layer of mulch

. Chopped leaves or pine needles are great choices. This will help protect the root ball through winter.

How do you keep a hibiscus alive in the winter?

Once indoors, place hibiscus

in bright light with some direct sunlight daily

. It rests somewhat during the winter, and at that time it enjoys room temperatures lower that your normal ones – more like 55 degrees. Do not fertilize during the winter rest period.

Can you plant a hibiscus in the ground?

Can I plant it in the ground and if so, will they return every year?

Hibiscus grow best in the ground

, however, they cannot take cold weather, so if you have freezes during the winter, you may want to keep your hibiscus potted.

How low a temperature can hibiscus tolerate?

Can Tropical Hibiscus Survive Freezing Temperatures? Native to warmer regions of Asia and the Pacific Islands, tropical hibiscus is only hardy in Zones 10-11 where the

temperature generally doesn’t dip below freezing (32°F)

. That means it won’t survive outdoors in a winter that gets colder than that.

What is the best temperature for hibiscus?

When you care for a hibiscus, you should remember that hibiscus flowers best in temperatures

between 60-90 F. (16-32 C.)

and cannot tolerate temps below 32 F.

Can hibiscus take 40 degree weather?

Tropical hibiscus may

begin dropping

leaves when the temperature falls to between 40 and 50 degrees F, so owners are warned to bring plants indoors before nighttime temperatures fall below the 50 degree mark.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.