Hibiscus: Overwintering LUNA hisbiscus in Florida, 1 by onalee

onalee wrote:
I grew some luna hibiscus from seeds this year and they've been blooming all summer - love them! I was wondering if anyone from central or northern Florida have grown these before and know if they will survive in the ground or if I need to keep them growing in the greenhouse (or do they need a dormant, rest period to perform best)?

I know that they are HARDY much farther north than I am, BUT here is the problem I've had here - one week it will be freezing, the next week it will be warm, then freezing,then warm - my plants get so confused and start budding out in the middle of January and then get frozen again in late January and then bud out again in Feb, and get frozen in March, etc. . . Last year I lost all my Texas Star to this - they just budded out so many times and got frozen back so many times, they died, even tough they are hardy to like zone 5 or 6.

So, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these hibiscus and if you know if they must have a rest period or if I keep them in pots all winter will they still be good bloomers next year or if anyone has grown these in the ground in similar winter conditions and had any luck.

Any info would be appreciated.

Onalee