How to Kill a Hibiscus

Some hibiscus plants grow as perennials, returning year after year even in regions that experience freezing winters. Other hibiscus plants are tropical natives, dying in the autumn when they grow in all but the warmest regions. When you no longer want a hibiscus plant growing in your landscape, you can kill it with an herbicide.

Tarps
Glyphosate herbicide spray
Shovel
Bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Spread tarps over other plants growing near the hibiscus plant to shield them from the herbicide spray. Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide, which means that it may kill almost any plant that it contacts.
- 2
  Spray the glyphosate herbicide spray over the hibiscus plant in an even layer, coating the leaves and stems thoroughly. Do not apply so much herbicide that it drips from the plant; covering it evenly is sufficient.
- 3
  Remove the tarps from around the hibiscus plant and give the herbicide spray up to two weeks to kill the plant. As you monitor progress, you should notice the plant beginning to wither and die back within this period of time.
- 4
  Reapply a second application of glyphosate spray after two weeks elapses if the hibiscus plant appears to be continuing to grow. Use the same application technique that you used the first time.
- 5
  Dig up the hibiscus plant from the soil with the shovel after it dies. Transfer the dead hibiscus plant to the bucket to dispose of it.

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