just received a kopper king??

Ok I have a few questions... I just got a kopper king in the mail, its just a stick with 2 big roots.. Should i plant it now in a pot (I want to plant this outside in spring) or how else do i keep it dormant... I'm so lost as this is my first year with them, and mine were already planted outside when the frost came... Outside is not an option as the garden isn't dug yet its still grass.. any help would be great
thanks jen

This message was edited Nov 26, 2009 6:51 PM

Smurf428,

In the summer of 2008 I purchased a Kopper King in a large 2gal container at a garden center but because of other priorities never had the opportunity to plant it. The Hibiscus finally wound up in a outside shed all winter completely forgotten with no water. When I found it in the spring I was sure it was dead but I planted it and within a few weeks it was growing and set quite a few flowers. The Fleming Brother's were noted for the hardiness of their Hibiscus.

While I have never done this with a hybrid Hibiscus which is already in the dormant stage I would try potting the Kopper King in an oversized container and see if you can get it to start growing for you this winter. This will give the Kopper King a head start this spring. Given your location Kopper King is an excellent choice and the flowers and dark-copper leaves are fantastic.

As I have posted elsewhere, I have three near-tropical Hibiscus mutabilis as house plants for the winter, which are doing too well and I may have to move them. I have a number of Hibiscus cuttings including one Kopper King which I am keeping inside for the winter. It has been touch-and-go with the cuttings as I started them late but they are holding their own for now.

Mike

Ok thanks Mike i will pot it up.. I wasn't sure if it would harm it if i didn't let it go dormant for the winter.. I was also worried that since it just has 2 roots would it make it through.. I do have 3 cuttings that i took before last frost.. wasn't the best timing i know but it was just to try.. Two of them have rooted and ones getting new leaves so theres hope.. I figure weather they make it or not theres always next spring since i have the plants planted already.. It was just this new one thats a shoot off someones plant i got in a trade.. Wasn't sure what to do with it..
thanks again
jen