Question
QUESTION: Hi there - I'm in Ottawa, Canada, USDA zone 4b.  Last fall I received a healthy hibiscus tree (not the perennial kind) that had been outdoors planted directly in the garden for the summer.  I potted it up with new potting soil and moved it indoors into the sunniest window of my house, which unfortunately doesn't get much direct sunlight.

About two weeks ago I hardened it off outside by putting it in partial shade for about a week, and then moved it to the sunniest corner of my backyard, where it has been for a week.

Throughout all of this, I haven't seen any growth.  No leaves or flower buds. I'm not approaching 8 consecutive months where the only thing that it has done is drop a total of about 10 leaves, and zero new growth (leaves, buds, anything).

It's definitely still alive - the leaves are green and they wilt if not watered, and recover when given a drink.

Is this normal?  What should I do to get this thing going?  At this rate, it could be plastic!  :)

ANSWER: You're talking about 2 weeks -- this is NOTHING in the Plantae Kingdom.  Rome was not built in a day.  Wait.  Good things come to those who wait.

L.I.G.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: so no change at all throughout the winter is normal too?  

Thanks!

Answer
Any sign of life yet?  Should be getting ready for takeoff just about now.

What watering system have you been using?

Note these plants while evergreen do need a sort of dormancy during Winter.  Your idea of shading this specimen was an excellent move -- most people figure it's time to export them to the great outdoors, and plunge them into full UV outside sunlight -- which burns the leaves in only a few hours.  And leaves drop all over the place.

You may stir up a little action by gentle pruning at stem tips, here and there, and a little extra water.  That's all.  No fertilizer, no extra Sun, and definitely no chill.  Also, now that it's Spring and your plant is exposed to the elements, watch for insect attacks -- and blast intruders off with a shot of water.

Green tissue is a sign this plant is very much alive.

L.I.G.