Q: I have several large hibiscus plants that I keep in my sunroom during the winter. They lose most of their leaves during this time. Can I cut them back before I put them outside this spring?

A: You can cut them back now if there are few leaves. Put the plants outdoors when night temperatures are reliably above 50 degrees. In August, reduce their size again so that the plants have lots of new leaves when you take them inside in October. Consider giving them supplemental light in winter so they don’t lose so many leaves next time.