Description: Tropical hibiscus can reach heights of up to 15′ but are more often in the 5′ – 6′ range. Plants can be used in a tree form or as a medium – large shrub. Tropical hibiscus can also be grown in containers.

How big does a tropical hibiscus tree get?

Description: Tropical hibiscus can reach heights of up to 15′ but are more often in the 5′ – 6′ range. Plants can be used in a tree form or as a medium – large shrub. Tropical hibiscus can also be grown in containers.

What is the difference between hibiscus and tropical hibiscus?

A hardy hibiscus may grow up to 15 feet tall and from 4 to 8 feet wide. A tropical hibiscus is shorter and typically grows 4 to 10 feet in height and 5 to 8 feet in width.

Do tropical hibiscus trees come back every year?

Hibiscus plants are divided into two categories, the perennial and the tropical. The hardy or perennial Hibiscus comes back every year. The tropical Hibiscus, on the flip side, is less likely to come back. This is because it thrives best as an indoor plant in containers and cannot survive the winters.

Can tropical hibiscus survive winter?

Tropical hibiscus plants hate temperatures below 45 degrees, and die when temperatures are 25 degrees or lower. So if you want to winter over a tropical hibiscus, here’s what to do: Prune it back. Hibiscus can be cut back by up to 50 percent, although 30 percent is more usual.

Does hibiscus need full sun?

All hibiscus plants grow best in full sun. Tropical hibiscus needs moist but well-drained soil. Perennial hibiscus grows best in moist soil that never completely dries out (this type can handle a bit more water than tropical hibiscus).

How long do hibiscus plants live?

Many traditional varieties of tropical hibiscus can live for over 50 years, but newer hybrids have a lifespan of up to 10 years.

Can I plant hibiscus in the ground?

Plant hibiscus in full sun, in either spring (perennial hibiscus) or late spring/early summer (tropical hibiscus). Prepare the soil to plant perennial hibiscus by adding Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Flowers.

What temperature can tropical hibiscus tolerate?

For the most part, hibiscus are pretty tolerant. But, because it is a tropical plant, it’s best to protect it from temperatures below about 50F (10C) or so. Tropical hibiscus can survive dips in temperature, but may show damage or even die back if it drops below about 35F (1.5C).

How long does a hibiscus tree live?

What do you do with hibiscus in the winter?

Use a winter mulch and apply it near your hardy Hibiscus plant’s roots to act as an insulating sheet. You can use organic materials such as compost and pine straw to have the same warming effect on your plant. Remember that it is normal for your plant to form buds and drop them during this stressful season.

Can you leave hibiscus in the ground in the winter?

Even without ideal conditions, you can keep your hibiscus alive through the winter. A cool (50- to 60-degree) place such as an unheated, attached garage where it can get some light works well. The hibiscus will lose most of its leaves and all of its flower buds when you move it into such a situation.

Can tropical hibiscus be planted in the ground?

Grow tropical hibiscus in the ground or containers from spring to fall. Tropical hibiscus needs a good supply of water to grow well, so planting before a rainy season is best in subtropical areas. Purchase tropical hibiscus plants from a garden center.