I bought a hibiscus this past spring and have really enjoyed it. Did I misunderstand the salesperson who told me to plant it in the garden? For now, I am keeping it in my unheated garage, but I wonder if I should plant it outside.

— Sue Kach, Glencoe

You have a tropical hibiscus that will not fare well over winter in your garage, especially since it is unheated. Tropical hibiscus cultivars like hot weather and provide vibrant flowers through the summer. Many gardeners in this area grow them in pots. These plants will not survive outside during winter in this region. Tropical hibiscuses have glossy, deep-green leaves and large orange, red, yellow, pink, peach, salmon or double flowers. Many tropical hibiscuses have more than one color in a bloom. They perform best if left in a container through the summer and then brought inside to overwinter. Digging them up from a bed to bring inside puts stress on the plants.

Since this hibiscus is tropical and does poorly in cold, rainy weather, it is best to bring it inside before night temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A light freeze over a couple of nights can kill these plants. Your garage may have protected it enough from the last cold spell. Keep your plant in a relatively small pot, as hibiscuses flower best when their roots are crowded. Try giving your plant a rest for a few months when you bring it in by minimizing pruning, reducing watering and moving it to a cool room with bright light. Do not push it to flower over winter and save old foliage. It is likely that some leaves will turn yellow and fall off as the plant adjusts to a new indoor environment. In March, cut the stems back, move the plant into a sunny location and increase watering. When new growth appears, start fertilizing lightly every couple of weeks. Five to six hours of full sunlight daily is important for these plants to perform well indoors.

Gradually expose your hibiscus to the outdoors in spring when night temperatures are staying above 55 degrees. Start the plant in shade and gradually increase the time in full sun over a period of seven to ten days. It may lose some leaves as it adjusts to the outdoor environment. Hibiscus flowers on new wood, so your plant should eventually start to bloom as the new growth matures.

For more plant advice, contact the Plant Information Service at the Chicago Botanic Garden at plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org. Tim Johnson is senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/22/tropical-hibiscus-winter-outdoors-plant/