Hello Everyone, I am getting ready to winterize my Midnight Marvel, Rose Mallow Hibiscus. I bought a large roll of Burlap to wrap around the whole plant. I know that new flowers only come from new growth. So, do I cut the stems at the end of winter or later. And should I cut the stems about 6 inches above the ground or lower? I will also put about 6 inches of large pine needles around the base of the plant. Is this correct and is there anything else I should be doing. Once again, thank you all for any help. I am in New Paltz, N Y. (Zone 5)
Your hibiscus will be ok the growing zones 5-9 . I’m in zone 8 and they do well without any extra protection during hard freezes. What you have planned to do to protect your hibiscus is all good techniques.
I leave Hardy Hibiscus standing over winter , then watch for the new growth to sprout in Spring. (It is late!) Then prune them down about 6 to 8 inches.
@Kay Trim late winter or early spring before new growth. Mine are in pots to protect from the deer that seem to sneak up on my porch and grab the buds as a yummy treat. So this season I have gated the front porch no entry for the deer or the mailman.
Thank you everyone. My Hibiscus did great this season. Every single bud bloomed, and there were lots of them. I will leave it as is for the winter and then very early spring I will cut it back to about 6 inches. I bought a roll of burlap to wrap it with over the winter. Thanks again, you have all been very helpful.
