Key Points
Light pruning, deep watering, and a layer of mulch in fall help hibiscus conserve energy and stay protected through winter.Bring tropical varieties indoors before it hits 40°F, and cut back on watering to prevent root rot.Fall prep boosts blooms by keeping roots strong and reducing pest issues.
As temperatures begin to gradually drop for fall, you may be wondering how to handle your hibiscus flowers, so you have stronger and healthier blooms next year. We asked pro gardeners to share why fall care is so essential and their go-to tasks they always tackle before the season’s over.
Read on to find out what tasks you should do right now for better hibiscus blooms next year.
Meet the Expert
Gregory Hair is the founder and managing director of SLIDE Living.
Anna Ohler is the founder of Bright Lane Gardens.
How to Care for Hibiscus in the Fall
Fall care can make a big difference for hibiscus blooms in summer. Without the proper care, Anna Ohler, the founder of Bright Lane Gardens, explains that hibiscus flowers can lose root strength and head into spring stressed, which will result in fewer flowers and weaker growth.
Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!
Prune Lightly
Ohler explains how she likes to trim any spent flowers and seed pods. Gregory Hair, the founder and managing director of SLIDE Living, also recommends pruning your hibiscus lightly.
“Remove just the dead or damaged branches, but save heavy pruning for late winter. This helps the plant conserve energy,” Hair says.
Mulch Generously
Hair suggests putting 3 inches of organic mulch around the base. This will help insulate the roots from any temperature changes and keep the soil conditions steady.
When it comes to tropical hibiscus varieties, make sure to bring them indoors once night temperatures start to dip to 40°F and lower, Ohler explains.
Reduce Watering
Ohler suggests giving a deep watering before the ground freezes. This will help protect your hibiscus plants by insulating the soil and preventing any drought stress during the colder months.
“As temperatures drop, ease back on watering to help the plant enter dormancy naturally,” Hair says.
Hair also warns against overwatering your hibiscus flowers in the fall since it could lead to root rot when the plant’s not actively growing.
Feed With Potassium
Hair recommends using a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer. “This will strengthen stems and boost cold hardiness instead of encouraging new growth,” Hair says.
Check for Any Pests
Before winter sets in, Hair emphasizes the importance of inspecting your hibiscus flowers for any pests and treating any aphids or scale insects.
For aphids, use a strong stream of water to hose down your flowers and then treat them with a soapy water solution. Focus on the undersides of the leaves since aphids often hide out in those crevices.
Protect Flowers From Frost
If you’re working with any tender hibiscus varieties in cold climates, Hair suggests wrapping them in frost cloth or moving the potted hibiscus plants to a sheltered spot.
Comments are closed.