Potted Hibiscus plants are sure to make a big splash, whether you’re growing them indoors or outside. These tender perennials feature large, brilliant blooms that will add a tropical vibe to a patio or indoor garden.
Even better, potted hibiscus are extremely long-living plants. Older varieties can live more than 50 years, while newer hybrids can be expected to last more than 10 years. Their flowers last just a day each, but are quickly replaced by new blooms. Outdoors, the flowering continues from spring to fall, while indoors hibiscus can bloom year-round.
How to Care for Potted Hibiscus?
- Plant hibiscus in loose, well-draining soil with additional organic matter such as well-rotted compost.
- Water whenever the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, but do not let the soil become soggy. Always let excess water drain before setting the pot back in its saucer.
- Set your potted hibiscus in a spot where it will get at least 8 hours of direct sun a day. They will tolerate some shade, but will flower better with more sun.
- Feed weekly with a low phosphorus water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, applied shortly after you’ve watered.
- Prune in late summer or early fall to remove older branches, as flowering occurs on new shoots.
- Clear off spider mites or aphids by rinsing the leaves weekly, or by using an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Can Hibiscus Survive the Winter in Pots?
Tropical hibiscus plants will only be able to survive winters outdoors in zones 9 to 11. However, you can bring your plants indoors when temperatures drop in the fall. They may go dormant, but will bound back to their flowering habit when warm weather returns in the spring.
Potted Hibiscus Temperature Tolerance?
Tropical hibiscus plants are very sensitive to cold temperatures; even a few nights below 50°F (10°C) can damage or even kill them. They grow best between 55-70°F (10-21°C).
Do Potted Hibiscus Come Back Each Year?
As long as they are not exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), potted hibiscus can be expected to last for many years. In zones 9 to 11, they may go dormant in the cooler winter months, but will put out fresh growth and start flowering when things warm up in the spring.
Indoor potted hibiscus plants may continue blooming year-round for a decade or more.
When Should You Plant Hibiscus in a Pot?
The best time to transplant a potted hibiscus is in the early spring, but don’t be in too much of a hurry to move it into a bigger pot. It will produce more flowers when it’s a bit pot-bound. Every 2 or 3 years should be okay.
However, if the roots have completely taken over the pot, and are growing out of the drainage holes and displacing the soil, it’s time to move it up a pot size. Don’t increase it by more than 2 in (5cm) in diameter, though, and make sure it’s got drainage holes.
Use a loose, well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter. Hibiscus like consistently moist soil, but soggy soil can cause root rot.
How Long Do Potted Hibiscus Take to Grow?
Potted hibiscus are fast growers, and will reach their mature size within a few years. They are usually grown from cuttings which take about 2 months to root, and then start flowering within a year.
How Long Will Potted Hibiscus Last Inside?
When given good growing conditions, a potted hibiscus can last for many years indoors. Heritage varieties have been known to live for decades, while newer hybrids have lifespans from 5 to 10 years.
Their flowers only last a day each, but new ones open every day, possibly all year round.
After a few years, you can take cuttings from your established plants to produce more hibiscus to pot up and keep your indoor garden in blooms indefinitely.
Final Thoughts
With their large, colourful flowers, potted hibiscus are an easy way to bring a tropical atmosphere to even the most northern region! You can grow them outdoors in warm weather, or year-round indoors, and can expect years of blooming from these tropical perennials.
See how long other potted plants last:
- How Long Do Potted Marigolds Last?
- How Long Do Potted Tulips Last?
- How Long Do Potted Peonies Last?
- How Long Do Potted Petunias Last?
- How Long Do Potted Gerbera Daisies Last?
- How Long Do Potted Zinnias Last?
- How Long Do Potted Tomato Plants Last?
Janice is a retired High School teacher who is spending her leisure years keeping busy with all sorts of projects. Aside from freelance writing, she’s an enthusiastic amateur chef, home wine maker, and tends a large raised-bed vegetable garden, while at the same time running a Bed & Breakfast.