Question
We live on Cape Cod and have had WONDERFUL success all summer with both our hibiscus and brugmansia. Both are in large pots.

So now that it's October, I need to know:
when should I bring them in; what should I do when they are brought in as far as cutting  back; what kind of light, water, etc. will they need until I can enjoy them outside again?

Thanks so much!

Pat Thatcher-Hill

Answer
Pat,
The plants should come in this week (light frost on the Cape last night!) the brugmansia put in a cool room, and light is not necessary - it will drop all its leaves and look like sticks - water when the soil looks very dry, which is normally once a month.  In spring you can either drag it to a lighted window in april, put it under artifical lights, or just wait and put it outside in late May.  Begin watering regularly then and fertilizing at that time.

The hibiscus should go in front of the sunniest window you have - it should flower into December, and sometime in January will begin to look a bit sad - cut it back by 1/3 to 1/2 at this time and start to fertilize.  The plant will branch out and begin to grow as the days get longer.  Put it out in May.

Be on the lookout for whitefly on the hibiscus - yellow sticky whitefly traps are a good investment.

all the best,
C.L.