How Much Cold Can a Hibiscus Stand?

The big, colorful blooms of hibiscus add exotic flair to any garden.Good news: Some types can grow in the cold as well.

Not many other summer-blooming plants have the large and brightly colored flowers of tropical hibiscus.They are eye-catching additions to container gardens during the summer and fall.If you live in a cold region of the country, you will have to treat them like annuals that last only for one season, or bring them inside for the winter.There are other types of hibiscuses that are just as beautiful as their tropical counterparts and will thrive in northern climates.

Tropical hibiscus is only hardy in Zones 10 and 11 where the temperature does not dip below freezing.It will not survive in a winter that gets colder than that.The stems and leaves of this shrubby plant can survive an occasional frost.As long as the roots don't freeze, you can remove dead parts and replant in the spring.

In areas with long spells of freezing weather, your best bet for enjoying the tropical look of hibiscus in your garden is choosing a hardy type, most of which can be grown where temperatures can get as low as -20F.There are several hardy hibiscus species, but the one that has flowers that look like those of the tropical species in terms of colors, size, and shape is known as rose mallow.Although this perennial flower tends to bloom later in the summer than its tropical cousin, some varieties can produce flowers as big as dinner plates.

Rose mallow dies back to the ground in the winter.When the weather warms up again, you can cut back the stems to a few inches in height.It is slow to push out fresh growth, so gardeners worry it is dead.It should show up by late spring or early summer.

The care needs of tropical and perennial hibiscus are similar.Both plants need a lot of water to thrive.It is best to never let the soil around either hibiscus dry out completely, which will often mean watering them daily.If your region is hot and dry, they might need a drink twice a day.Adding mulch or compost around your hibiscus will help the soil hold on to more water.