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Hibiscus Rosa-sinesis #869811

Asked May 23, 2024, 3:33 PM EDT

Hi! I found two of this type of hibiscus and was wondering if I could plant them in the ground and if and what I can do in the winter so they won’t freeze. Online is giving me conflicting answers. I live in west central Ohio. Thank you so much! I love this flower and always wanted one.

Champaign County Ohio

Expert Response

Good Morning!
Boy are you lucky you found one of those! I have a small one that had one magnificent flower that I enjoyed daily until its time to fade and drop.  Unfortunately they are not hardy anywhere in Ohio and will winter kill even in the best of protected places.
I have a good number of tropical hibiscus that I bring in over the winter.  They are not easy keepers in the winter and will get aphids so fast it will make your head spin, but I find it worthwhile to keep them.
I found this article on this beauty and have attached it below:

https://gardens.si.edu/learn/educational-resources/plant-care-sheets/care-of-hibiscus-rosa-sinensis/#:~:text=Hibiscus%20are%20carefree%20but%20do,encourage%20stronger%20and%20more%20blooms.

and an article on overwintering:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/overwintering-tropical-plants/

Best of luck to you and thanks for using Ask a Master Gardener.
Enjoy the blooms this summer!

Leslie 
EMG
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 25, 2024, 9:28 AM EDT

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