What should I do to prepare my hibiscus for winter?

You didn't say which hibiscus you have, but given that you live in Southern Califonia and are most likely zone 9, I would imagine that both the tropical and perennial hybiscus should do just fine.

According to this Article:

"Q. What do you do with them in the winter?

A. In climates where freezes are common, growers will keep all or most of their plants in pots so they can be brought inside - there is a page at this site devoted to this. Another advantage of potted plants is that they can be lain on their side and are, therefore, easier to cover and protect when left outside. Tropical hibiscus can only withstand freezing temperatures for a brief time before there is damage. In milder climates (USDA zones 9%26amp;10), if you can trap sufficient ground heat by covering your plants, you may be able to prevent freeze damage to plants in the ground."

http://www.trop-hibiscus.com/q.a.html



So, basically all you have to do if there is a freeze is cover the area with mulch until the freeze is over. As for Hardy or perennial, you don't have to do a thing because it can withstand much colder temp. I live in zone 7 and have the hardy perennial hibiscus.



Good Luck
What should I do to prepare my hibiscus for winter?
Please follow the instructions for care of hibiscus and a perennial hibiscus shall be right;however, the annual hibiscus will not survive.

I hope it helps.
Reply:I'm also in SoCal, inland %26amp; zone 9, and have 2 blue hibiscus in my yard. I prune mine back, fertilize them and add mulch to the base. Unfortunately, we had a week of hard frost last year and I should have covered them. My neighbor did and hers grew huge this year while mine kinda look pathetic. She covered hers with burlap during the cold snap, so if you hear frost warnings again for this year, protect the plant.
Reply:Depends on where you live, in Florida no special prep is needed. Possible pruning and fertilizer is all.