Question
Hi   I live in central NJ and would like to try and winterize my tropical hibiscus.  I bought tubual grow lights.  Any suggestions?  Should I trim it back?  When should I bring it indoors?   thanks!!

Answer
Hi Pat,
Thanx for your questio.  Tropical hibiscus can be successfully overwintered indoors.  If you have a patio door that faces the east or south, this would be the best solution.  You can also use indoor growlights suspended a foot or so above the plant.  Water the plant once a week and don't feed it.  It will go semi-dormant and will lose some leaves and even cease flowering.  Don't worry.  It will come out of it once spring returns.  You can put it outdoors, first in the shade, when temps are consistently above 50癋/10癋 for about 10 days and then leave in full sun.  Make sure the plant is kept watered but the pot drains well.  I hope this helps.
Tom