Question
I live in northern part of Virginia and would like to keep
my hibiscus that is planted in the ground through the
winter.  I have heard of people keeping palm trees by using
Christmas lights and burlap or cardboard around the plant.  
Is this possible for an hibiscus?  It has become too large
in the ground this summer to re-pot.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Charlotte, truth is, this measure is only effective in an 8 or 9 zone, when protecting against the occasional dips into the low 30's; Virginia is a little too cold for these tricks to work, Hibiscus is a tropical plant that will die when the ground freezes, this said, if you can mulch the ground heavily, you may, and I emphasize "may" be able to protect it, but it is a gamble in that cold a zone. I would really encourage you repot it. Nick