The Best Time of Year to Transplant a Hibiscus Shrub

Seasonal Timing

• The best time to transplant either hibiscus plant is in late winter to spring, as plants leave dormancy and are beginning to produce new growth. Tropical hibiscus plants may be transplanted in fall or winter in tropical regions where plants really never stop flowering or growing. Hardy hibiscus plants go dormant in winter and gardeners cut back the dead stems. Just before the new growth sprouts from the roots in mid-spring, dig up and transplant immediately.

Summer Stress

• The tropical hibiscus, in emergency situations, may be dug up and transplanted during the warmth and rains of summer, but it's much more stressful on plants. Transplanting disrupts the root system, and for a plant with lots of leaves, reducing roots leads to leaf wilting and abortion. Pruning off the top 50 percent of branches reduces the stress on the roots, allocating resources to more root growth rather than absorbing water to sustain the leaves. Transplanting in fall, winter or early spring is better as temperatures are not too hot, allowing for root reestablishment during a time of slowed above-ground growth.

Root Disturbance

• While it's best to dig up and retain as much of a root ball as possible when transplanting any hibiscus plant, hardy hibiscuses are very finicky. Do not transplant a hardy hibiscus from late spring to frost when the stems are actively growing. The destruction of roots during active growth will not result in good root regrowth and rejuvenation of the leafy stems. Without healthy foliage across the summer, hardy hibiscus plants become weak as photosynthesis isn't occurring. The roots will not survive the winter if no carbohydrates restock the roots. Transplanting in autumn also is not recommended, as the root disturbance coupled with cold soil leads to root rot or desiccation over the winter.

Re-Potting

• Hardy hibiscus plants, since they go dormant in winter and have sensitive roots, are not grown in containers long-term. Tropical hibiscus, by contrast, may be grown in large containers outdoors or in a sunny room of the house. Container-grown hibiscuses may be planted any time of year the ground is workable, but late winter to mid-spring is best. Any root damage that occurs from removing the root ball from the container is more quickly repaired in spring as the soil warms, days lengthen, sunlight is more intense and the plant naturally begins to increase it growth and vitality.