Preparing Tropical Hibiscus to Go Back Outdoors in Spring

Every summer we grow hibiscus on our deck.  This is the first year we are over wintering the plant indoors.  The leaves fell off but there are flowers on the tips of the branches.  If it survives will we get new leaves and how should we prepare the plant to go back outside in spring? You will be amazed at how quickly your plant will send out new leaves and fill in over summer.  Do any needed pruning by the end of February so you will have flowers next summer. 

Wait until the danger of frost has passed and the temperatures begin hovering in the 50's before moving the plant outdoors.  Help your plant adjust to the drastic change in the outdoor environment by slowly exposing it to the brighter light and wind.  Set the plant in a sheltered location exposing it to an hour of direct sunlight the first day.  Gradually increase the amount of sunlight the plant receives each day.  Check the soil moisture daily and water thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil are slightly dry.  Once the plant has adapted to its new location you can begin fertilizing with any flowering plant fertilizer.  Continually monitor the outdoor temperatures and bring the plant indoors at night or on days the temperatures drop significantly. 

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