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The Daily Insight

What to do with hibiscus when it gets cold?

Author

David Ramirez

Published Jun 01, 2026

What to do with hibiscus when it gets cold?

If a freeze catches you by surprise and your hibiscus are uncovered outside, turn sprinklers on them and leave them on all through the freezing night. Turn the water on high enough that it will sprinkle each whole hibiscus plant and really soak the whole plant.

Can hibiscus survive the cold?

Tropical hibiscus does not tolerate freezing temperatures and cannot survive more than brief periods of cold. Hardy hibiscus tolerate freezing temperatures and can survive winters in cold northern climates. Although they die back for winter, they do return in spring, often developing new growth from the roots.

Are hibiscus plants sensitive to cold?

Hibiscuses like temperatures between 60-85°F. If temperatures are below 50°F, most growth and blooming will stop and flower size will be smaller and deformed. A freeze will cause the plant to die so be sure to move your plant indoors before the first fall frost. Hibiscus is also very sensitive to extreme heat.

Will hibiscus recover from hard freeze?

This shrubby plant can survive an occasional frost but its stems and leaves may die back a bit. As long as the roots don’t freeze, however, you can prune the dead parts away and new growth will sprout in spring.

How do I protect my hibiscus from frost?

One of the best ways to protect outdoor hibiscus that are planted in the ground is to mulch over the root zone and around the main stem of the plant. A thick layer of leaves or compost can help protect the roots and keep them from freezing at night.

What to do with Hibiscus in cold weather?

If your hibiscus is in a small pot and is filling it out, I recommend repotting into a large one before winter. I’ve been growing potted hibiscus for eleven years, and small pots have always struggled surviving being moved inside during cold weather.

Do you need to repot Hibiscus before winter?

Make sure your pot is large. If your hibiscus is in a small pot and is filling it out, I recommend repotting into a large one before winter. I’ve been growing potted hibiscus for eleven years, and small pots have always struggled surviving being moved inside during cold weather.

Why does my Hibiscus die in the winter?

That’s because these plants are herbaceous perennials and when the weather gets cold in winter, their tops will die down to the ground. Never fear, though, because new shoots will come back into lush growth when the weather warms during the spring.

When do Hibiscus blooms come back to the ground?

That’s because these plants are herbaceous perennials and when the weather gets cold in winter, their tops will die down to the ground. Never fear, though, because new shoots will come back into lush growth when the weather warms during the spring. You can expect blooms to appear midsummer and continue until fall frost.

What to do with tropical hibiscus in winter?

Potted Tropical Hibiscus. Tropical hibiscus plants are only perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 unless you protect them during winter dormancy. Growing the plants in containers makes it easier to protect the plants from cooler temperatures. Bring the plants indoors once temperatures begin to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Why are my Hibiscus dying in the winter?

Hibiscus require special care to keep them from dying in cold temperatures. Hibiscus is a tropical plant with large, colorful blooms. The hardy hibiscus variety is a perennial that survives more easily through the winter than its tropical counterpart, which easily dies in freezing temperatures.

Make sure your pot is large. If your hibiscus is in a small pot and is filling it out, I recommend repotting into a large one before winter. I’ve been growing potted hibiscus for eleven years, and small pots have always struggled surviving being moved inside during cold weather.

Can a hibiscus plant grow in freezing weather?

As long as the roots don’t freeze, however, you can prune the dead parts away and new growth will sprout in spring. In areas with long spells of freezing weather, your best bet for enjoying the tropical look of hibiscus in your garden is choosing a hardy type, most of which can be grown where temps can get as low as -20°F (Zone 5 and above).