The hibiscus plant’s large, showy flowers and tropical feel make them well-loved additions to the garden. However, people often wonder whether hibiscus are annuals or perennials. Join us as we explore the answer.
What Are Hibiscus Plants?
Hibiscus plants are a group of hundreds of species within the Hibiscus genus. These plants are known for their large, round, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Members of the Hibiscus genus are native to both temperate and tropical regions. While the plants still grow in their native ranges, humans also grow the plants as ornamentals outside of their natural habitats.
As you might expect, the cold hardiness of these different species varies depending on the location. Tropical hibiscus grows in USDA hardiness zones 9–11, while hardy hibiscus is best suited to zones 5–9. Each is available in various colors, including beautiful yellow, red, and purple hibiscus flowers.
Are Hibiscus Flower Annuals or Perennials?
As mentioned above, different hibiscus species have various levels of cold tolerance. Therefore, the growth habit of these plants depends on the species and where they are grown.
Hibiscus plants grow as perennials if they are grown in the right environment. That means the plants will live for more than one growing season.
However, if you grow hibiscus plants in areas that are too cold, they will die during the winter. Therefore, people in temperate climates treat tropical hibiscus as hardy annuals.
Do Hibiscus Plants Die in the Winter?
As long as hibiscus plants are growing in a warm enough environment, they will not die during the winter. However, the plant’s winter appearance depends on the species.
In general, hibiscus species are separated into one of two groups: tropical hibiscus and hardy hibiscus.
Tropical hibiscus plants are native to warm regions where temperatures rarely drop below 50°F. These warm temperatures allow the plants to remain green year-round.
Types of tropical hibiscus grow as shrubs or small trees. Their woody stems stick around all year, as do their leaves. However, the plants only produce flowers during the warmer months.
Hardy hibiscus can survive below-freezing temperatures, including temperatures that drop below 0°F. However, unlike tropical hibiscus, hardy hibiscus plants die back each fall.
Although these plants may appear to die during the winter, their roots are still alive after the above-ground portions fade. Come spring, the roots utilize their stored energy to send up new shoots and stems.
So while hardy hibiscus may appear to die each winter, they are simply resting before they reemerge the following spring.
How to Care for Hardy Hibiscus Over the Winter
While hardy hibiscus are perennial plants that can survive cold, this doesn’t mean they can’t die if exposed to extreme cold. If you live in a very cold area, you may want to practice measures to help protect your hardy hibiscus.
After the plant drops its leaves and stems, you use mulch to protect its roots. Placing a few inches of wood chips or leaves over the plant’s root zone can help insulate the roots from extreme cold.
This will increase the chances that the plants will reemerge the following spring.
Growing Tropical Hibiscus As Annuals
Although tropical hibiscus grows as a perennial plant in warm regions, it is often grown as an annual in colder climates.
If you live in USDA hardiness zone 8 or below, you can plant tropical hibiscus outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. As long as the plant receives lots of sunlight and enough water, it should produce flowers during the summer.
However, when temperatures begin to dip below 50°F, the plants will start to decline. And if temperatures hit freezing, the plants will die.
That means that gardeners in much of the United States treat tropical hibiscus as annual plants and replant these plants each spring.
If you don’t want to have to purchase new plants each spring, you can attempt to dig your plant up in the late summer or early fall. Place the plant in a pot and then keep it somewhere warm during the winter.
When spring arrives, you can replant your hardy hibiscus outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is the Difference Between Tropical Hibiscus and Hardy Hibiscus?
Tropical hibiscus will die if exposed to cold temperatures, while hardy hibiscus can survive temperatures below 0°F. However, the above-ground portions of hardy hibiscus die back each winter and regrow the following spring.
Can I Grow Tropical Hibiscus Indoors?
If you live in a cold area, you can grow tropical hibiscus indoors in pots. When warm weather arrives, you can move the pots outdoors or leave them inside.
Can hibiscus plants be grown as annuals?
Yes, hibiscus plants can be grown as annuals in cooler climates where they cannot survive winter temperatures.
Are tropical hibiscus plants annuals or perennials?
Tropical hibiscus plants are typically considered perennial in warm climates, but they may not survive frost or freezing temperatures, so they are often grown as annuals or overwintered indoors in cooler regions.
How long do hibiscus plants live?
The lifespan of a hibiscus plant can vary depending on the species and growing conditions. Some species can live for several years or even decades, while others may only live for a few years.
Are Hibiscus Annuals or Perennials: Wrapping Up
Both tropical and hardy hibiscus are perennial plants. However, gardeners in temperate areas often treat tropical hibiscus plants as hardy annuals.
For more, see our in-depth guide to hibiscus flower meaning and symbolism.
Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State University. She manages a small market garden where she grows vegetables and herbs. She also enjoys growing flowers and houseplants at home.
Comments are closed.