Question
I live in southwest Missouri near the Arkansas border and have a hibuscus tree and also a plant which has bloomed up till the present.  I would like to keep them for next year and would like to know what needs to be done to save them for the winter, do I put them in pots or is it best to leave them in the ground?  I would very much appreciate your help for the answer!

Thanks,
Emilie

Answer
Hi Emilie,
Thanx for your question. I take it that the hibiscus is a tropical plant that has been planted in the ground?  You didn't say what kind of plant the other one was so I will be hard pressed to answer your question on that.  Yes, you will have to dig up the hibiscus if it is indeed a tropical (shiny leaves and long stamens coming out of the bright red or yellow flowers?).  If it is a hardy hibiscus you can cut it back to a couple inches above the ground and it will come back next year.  I live in the Kansas City area and our hardy hibiscus stopped blooming back in late September early October.  They have since been cut back.  If you do have a tropical, plant it in a large pot so its roots aren't crowded.  Give it some water but don't fertilize it.  The plant will go into a semi-dormant state, lose leaves, stop blooming and look pretty ratty for the winter.  Keep it in an eastern or southern facing window or patio.  Water once a week just enough to keep it alive.  Overwatering and feeding will do the plant in.  Once spring arrives and outdoor temps exceed 50 F in the evening, you can move the plant outdoors first to the shade for about 10 days and then out in direct sunlight.  Start feeding the plant a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer and make sure it gets plenty of water.  As it gets warmer and soaks up more nutrients and water, it will snap out of its dormancy and reward you with lush growth and vibrant blossoms.  The other plant, if it is a tropical, can pretty much be treated the same way.  If you can identify the plant, I can give you more exact information.  I hope this helps.
Tom