Question
I was given a lovely hibiscus in a 8-inch pot as a gift.  After looking it up in a reference book, I see that it is actually a small flowering shrub.  I was hoping to pot it and grow it in a container, as I rent and live in an apt and therefore cannot plant it outdoors.  Advice is much needed.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Patricia,

Hibiscus perform well as a container plant.  Use a commercial potting media, not bagged top soil.  Fertilize with Miracle Gro at every watering and do not neglect the watering.  If the plant is stressed it will drop all of its blooms.  You should be able to enjoy all summer.  This plant can be brought inside for the winter but it will not be happy and neither will you with the amount of work and worry that will ensue.  If you like the plant this year my suggestion is obtain another next year and not try to over winter.

Enjoy your plant and good gardening (albeit apartment gardening :)


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