OK, I've made a big mistake :(

Went on vacation and we always bring home a few plants.
I saw this gorgeous hibiscus - tricolor leaves, small deep red flowers (I'll post a picture of it later), and just had to by it, of course, it was 1/2 price, how could you say no?
Now I have it at home and I realise that is huge and that I do not have enough light to support it during the winter months. I might have to find a nursery that will baby sit it for the winter...

I didn't have much light for mine and it seemed to fare okay, Giorio. It didn't look spectacular, but it survived and I was able to put it out this spring in its pot. I bet yours will be fabulous come spring if you can get a nursery to overwinter and fertilize it for you, though!

Here is the plant:

Flower and leaves details

That is one good looking bush. Easy mistake to make!

Can you prune it back to a more manageable size? (wonder if it's possible to root the cuttings ... )

Cheri'

I will prune it back, and I will attempt to root the cuttings (You read my mind)...any tips out there on how I should proceed?

Wow big bush and so beautiful never see those color of leaves love Red Hibiscus.

I've rooted Hibiscus acetosella in water. Tip cuttings about 4" long. If you're successful, would sure love one!

Looks like a variaty of Snow Queen. Cut it back by about half and you should have no problem over wintering. IT roots easy from cuttings.

I would love a cutting of that beautiful bush. Maybe I'll have something to tempt you with come spring.
:)

Cheri'

Tri-Wow!!! That is beautiful! Yes, I agree w/the experienced experts above. If you need somewhere to dispose of some of those cuttings, I'll be glad to help you out. What's family for? :~)
Great buy & @ the right price!!!

Gorgeous indeed! I would have bought it too. Love the red hibiscus and having the varigated leaves makes it all the more interesting to me. I would love a cutting too if you have enough. Lani

That is really unusual, very pretty - I have one that is just green & white variegated tree form, but the flower is not nearly that pretty. Would love a piece of yours too.

I read somwhere that when you take them in for winter, to prune them back severely, and I do, if nothing else to save space in the GH. The more you prune, the more blooms you will have next spring.

This message was edited Oct 8, 2003 8:24 AM

Giorio... LOVE the plant! I also love the Barcelona chair behind it!!! Wish I hadn't sold my pair. :(

I'll try to get cuttings to root and depending on my success I'll share...now, should I put them just in water? And do I leave them on a window sill facing the winter sun?
Any tips on how to do this would be appreciated.
Thanks

Check out this thread
http://davesgarden.com/t/297944/

maybe that will help

Cheri'

Yes, I could live with that mistake myself.....We have alot of the varigated (Green and White) but that is the first I've seen of that color....good luck with rooting it, Hope it does well for you...:o)
Dee

This looks like Hibiscus 'Red Hot'. It roots fairly easy in water but sometimes takes a while before you see root nubs.
I made a few cuttings last year. It also survived two nights in the high 20*s this past winter. It came back and looks good but hasn't bloomed yet. None that froze have bloomed for that matter.
Edited to add this link http://davesgarden.com/t/328098/%5C%27red+hot%5C%27

This message was edited Oct 8, 2003 10:54 AM

Send it to me and it will be warm and happy! just kidding! It is a beautiful plant. Good luck.

After attempting to root the cuttings (in a special gel), I have 3 with roots showing...what do I do now? Should I just put them in some soil?

I would pot them in a very sandy/perlite soil mix.

Me 2
Dee

Gigiro, When iI bought my plant it was smaller than yours. Now in less than 2 years it's huge! But, this is Florida!

This is today's picture.

hmm...today here is -6...I wish I was in Florida!

I have my two tropical hibiscus in the garage with a florescent bulb lighting it day and night. It has bloomed twice since I brought it in and is doing better than it did outdoors all season.
The garage gets pretty cold, but not below 32, I am sure.
You might mount a light on a wall and sit in under that indoors since your climate might make for a colder garage than mine.

Windy says:
"You might mount a light on a wall and sit in under that indoors"

Will do...what about the plant? ;)

.....lol.......yall crack me up....
Dee

Hey! YA gotta keep it company! LOL

I'm going to mail a few cuttings to the folks that wanted them...the plants are about 4" tall.
What is the best way to package them?