How to Care for a Kopper King Hibiscus Plant in Winter

Hibiscus moscheutos "Kopper King" is unique among the hardy hibiscus varieties due to its deeply lobed, deep copper-red leaves. The 10- to 12-inch flowers are pale pink with a red eye resembling hollyhock flowers more than hibiscus. Kopper King dies back in the late fall and reappears in the spring or early summer. The plant is hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, but needs special winter protection in the colder reaches of that range. Preparation and work in the late fall results in a larger and more vibrant plant the following year.

Paint or chalk (optional)
1-foot tall rolled fencing
Twist ties or utility ties
Leaves or pine straw

Instructions

- 1
  Cut back the stems to 1 inch tall in the fall before the first hard freeze. Measure out 6 inches from the edge all around the root ball and draw a circle around the entire plant with paint, chalk or simply by drawing a line in the soil with a stick.
- 2
  Unroll your 1-foot tall fencing and install it on the marked line all the way around the plant. Trim any extra and secure the ends together with utility ties or twist ties.
- 3
  Cover the cut stems with leaves or pine straw halfway up the fencing. Watering it well compact the mulch. Fill to the top of the fencing and water again. Let the leaves settle overnight. Repeat the process until compacted mulch reaches the top of the fencing. If you have a long row of Kopper King, install the fencing around the entire row and fill it with mulch.
- 4
  Remove the protective mulch in the spring when all frost danger is over. Be patient because hardy hibiscus may not emerge from the ground until May in colder climates.

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