Temperatures and Freshly Planted Hibiscus

Planting Zones

• Temperatures reaching as low as 28 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit kill freshly planted hibiscus bushes. Established hibiscus dies to the ground with these cold temperatures but may emerge with new growth in the spring. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone map, zones 9 through 11 are the ideal zones for planting hibiscus in the ground. Provide protection against unusual drops in temperature during the winter in zone 9.

Planting Time

• Plant container-grown hibiscus and hibiscus grown in zones 9 through 11 any time of the year. Horticulturists at the University of Florida recommend planting hibiscus in the yard during cooler months, keeping in mind that hibiscus grow best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 F. Water freshly planted hibiscus thoroughly but only often enough to prevent wilting.

Pruning and Storage

• Pruning hibiscus encourages bushier growth. Trim leggy limbs in the late fall or early winter for container-grown hibiscus and in the early spring for garden-grown hibiscus. Because of hibiscus' cold sensitivity, bring container-grown hibiscus indoors after pruning and before the first frost. Place the hibiscus in a cool place between 50 and 60 F allowing the plant to go dormant for the winter. Both freshly planted and established plants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Avoid keeping container hibiscus near heaters or electronics or in drafty areas and entryways.

Back Outside

• In the spring after the frost danger passes and when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 F, move container-grown hibiscus outside. Gradually acclimate the hibiscus to the outdoors and the brighter conditions. Move the plant to a covered porch for a day or two followed by a day or two in the filtered light of a shade tree before setting it out into the bright sunlight.