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Every September, I cringe as Liz begins to prep the Hibiscus to bring indoors for winter. It is the hardest thing for me to do to my Hibiscus ( I honestly wait until the absolute last second but ssshhh don't tell). In fairness to Liz, our resident garden guru here, it is essential to help the plants to continue to grow and flourish next season. So to all you Hibiscus owners and lovers out there read on and try not to cry.
BRINGING YOUR OUTDOOR HIBISCUS IN FOR WINTER
STEP 1
When night time temperatures begin to drop in September, take your beautiful flowering Hibiscus (this double pink one is over 50 years old) and begin to strip all the leaves off of it.
 STEP 2
Prune off all the flowers (I know it's heart breaking but you have to do it!) and prune the branches back by 1/3 or more. This will help create a fuller and bushier plant for next season.
STEP 3
If you want to keep it in the same pot next season then it is essential to root prune.
Slide Hibiscus out of its pot and using a sharp knife shave 1-2 inches off the bottom of the root ball. Slice a wedge off two of the opposite sides.
Refill with fresh potting soil.
 STEP 4
This is your final result. I know it's shocking but it allows the plant a time of rest. Small leaves will shoot out from the branches within weeks.
Before bringing it inside spray all the branches well with an insecticidal soap (like Green Earth) to kill any insects. To ensure no earwigs or bugs are hibernating in the soil, mix up a bucket of the soap and water through the soil well.This is important as you do not want insects hatching and spreading to all your indoor plants.
STEP 5
Store your Hibiscus ideally in a North window, not in full sun. Watch it come back to life.
Begin to fertilize once a month with a good 20-20-20 in January. Bring back outside when risk of frost is gone, usually in late May.
Continue to fertilize throughout the summer biweekly.
Good Luck!
Kelly
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