Overwintering hibiscus

Overwintering hibiscus

1. 01

   Which hibiscus do you have?

   Garden hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) is hardy, drops its leaves in autumn and stays outside. This page is about Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), the evergreen potted kind.

2. 02

   When to bring hibiscus in

   Chinese hibiscus does not tolerate cold. Bring it in before nights drop below about 12 °C (54 °F), and check it thoroughly for pests first.

3. 03

   Where: bright and at least 12 °C (54 °F)

   The best spot is a bright window, ideally south facing, in a room that stays at 12 °C (54 °F) or warmer. The RHS gives 7 to 10 °C (45⁠–⁠50 °F) as its lowest night temperature, so 12 °C (54 °F) leaves a margin. In a sunny spot it may even keep flowering.

   Keep it away from radiators and cold drafts, and move it back from the glass on frosty nights.

4. 04

   Watering and feeding in winter

   It grows more slowly indoors, so water less: only once the top 3 cm (1.2 in) are dry, without letting the root ball dry out completely.

   No feeding over winter.

5. 05

   Why leaves and buds drop

   Yellow leaves and dropping buds are common in winter. The usual causes are low light or being moved around. Give it one bright spot and leave it there.

6. 06

   Pests in winter quarters

   Aphids, spider mites, whitefly and scale insects are the usual indoor pests. Look under the leaves regularly.

7. 07

   Pruning before and after winter

   You can trim a large plant before bringing it in. Do the main pruning in February or March, cutting back by up to half.

8. 08

   When it can go back outside

   Only when nights stay reliably above 12 °C (54 °F), usually from late May or June. Give it a few days in light shade to adjust to the sun.

9. 09

   Common mistakes

   Moving it around: every change of spot can cost buds.

   Too cold at the window: leaves that touch cold glass can get chilled, so keep them off the pane.

   Bringing in garden hibiscus: Hibiscus syriacus is hardy and belongs outside.

Common questions