Question
QUESTION: I have a potted Hibiscus that I would like to move in to our shed for the winter. Do I need to cut it back, and if so how much, and do I need to water occasionally? Thanks, Bob

ANSWER: Bob,
It's difficult for me to answer this not knowing where you live and how cold it gets. Also, I don't know if you have a hardy hibiscus or a tropical variety.  Send me more information and I can help you with this!
C.L.

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QUESTION: CL,
Oooops! It's tropical, and we live in Rehoboth Beach DE. The average winter temp. is 43-45deg. And also, would I need to cover it with burlap? Thanks, Bob

Answer
Bob,
All experts seems to think that I didn't answer this and I'm not sure if I did... so if I didn't I apologize. Hard to keep track in times when I get a number of emails.

I'm a bit concerned about the "average winter temp" being 43-45. Average means that it will get colder and if it goes much below 43 this plant may not make it. So if you think that it will go to 35 or below you should over-winter it indoors. Or, put it in the shed and take a chance - it might make it.  If it gets too much below 43 you might consider wrapping the pot with bubble wrap around the sides to keep the dirt from freezing, and wrapping the top with burlap after New Years, unwrapping it in mid-Feb. or after the coldest part of the winter is gone.

If your weather doesn't go below freezing you can pull it into your shed for the winter.  Wait until it starts to be reliably 55 during the day, and if there is a window in the shed put it in front of that so it has even a small amount of light.  I wouldn't cut it back until February or whatever month is spring for you and you can pull it outside. Cut it back then and start to fertilize. The reason I wouldn't cut it back now is that the plant stores its energy in the twigs and it will use this energy to stay alive over the winter.  Also, if you cut it back now and it is warm in November, it will produce new growth which won't be hardened off before winter.  So wait on cutting it back until the time when new growth is appropriate.

Also, check the plant once every two weeks in the shed and water it when the soil is dry.

I hope this helps!
C.L.
www.wholelifegardening.com