What to do with my Hibiscus plant in the winter???

I have a Hibiscus plant that I have planted outdoors. I'm in Zone 5. I leave my plant in the ground and do not dig it up. I usually cut it all the way to the ground once it's finished doing it's thing and when the colder weather comes in (like now- late Oct). My question: Should I be cutting it back in the spring? If so when in the spring? Should I not cut it back at all, and just wait for new growth to start and then cut the dead off? AND lastly, does leaving the old dead stuff on the plant during the winter protect it from the harsh cold, or does this make a difference? I want to encourage it to get bigger season after season. Thanks
What to do with my Hibiscus plant in the winter???
I too am in USDA hardiness zone 5, thanks for identifying that, it makes answering so much easier.



You're probably talking about Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutus). Each year winter will kill back it's branches, and new ones grow up from the ground.



Although typically I would say leave it to spring for most perennials, this is one of the exceptions. We know that none of the 'branches' will survive, and that they could be damaged by winter winds or ice. You should clean them up in the early winter to limit the eyesore. I personally would wait until the branches turn brown or at least yellow (mid-late November). Leave a few inches above ground, so you will remember exactly where the roots are for next year.



I hope that this helps
Reply:You can cut it back as far as you want, but does help to know its there by leaving some stalks sticking up a bit. I'd recommend using grass clippings to mulch the plant to help ensure a really cold spell doesn't freeze it. Won't hurt, anyway, and will keep the soil moist around it--dryness is the main enemy anyway.
Reply:I have one outdoors but I'm in Zone 9. We mainly have mild winters but there are times when we get below 25 degrees. I just cover the plants with sheets/towels and hope for the best. I have never cut back my hibiscus and it continues to do wonderfully.
Reply:I'm guessing that it is a hardy variety to your area. I don't see a reason to cut one down to the ground unless you're doing it for aesthetic reason. You can leave it alone and cut back in the spring any parts that were damaged by the cold. They'll be brown and shriveled. If you want to encourage it to get bigger then do not cut it down to the ground. Just let it grow and trim off any dead branches, stems or suckers that you notice in the spring after the leaves have started to emerge.