Can I plant in the ground?

This is my first year to have Tropical Hibiscus and I love them. My question is can I put these in the ground in my zone 8b. I don't have a greenhouse and would really like to plant them in my new beds I'm making. Thanks, Michelle

I give it a definite MAYBE.
Up against a South or East facing wall, under an eave. Maybe add some christmas tree lights to keep them warm during a brief freeze. Use "Cloud Cover" at the first signs of below 40°. I don't think they would make it out in the open, based upon my experiences here in 8b/9a. I take cuttings every year as insurance, and keep little ones in the garage over winter. I have about 15 in the ground and have yet to lose any "mature" ones to freeze. 6 are on a east wall under the eaves, the others are against a fence facing west, with a large hedge on the back side of the fence. The ones against the house are definitely doing better than those out by the fence.

How do I take cuttings - I mean where do I take my cuttings? Do you root your in water or in potting soil? One of mine now is root bound I think - I can see the white roots on top of the dirt in the container.

PotEmUP,

Forgive me for butting in, but what is "Cloud Cover"?

“Cloud Cover” is a liquid that is sprayed on the plant itself. The “Cloud Cover” coats the leaves, with an invisible barrier, that prevents moisture loss through the leaves. It is this moisture loss, on cold days that can cause damage to plants. “Cloud Cover” will provide a couple of degrees of protection if applied at least a few hours before you expect frost. It is also used on cut christmas trees to reduce the speed at which the tree dries out, prolonging the time to needle drop. A similar product is Wilt-Pruf. Here is some techie stuff http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WO005
I take soft wood cuttings, dip them in rooting hormone and put them in potting mix. I used to use 4" pots and cut down plastic newspaper bags to put over them, making a mini green house. I now use Rapid Rooter http://www.planetnatural.com/site/rapid-rooter.html , which seems to give a bit quicker rooting. Here is a google search that will give you lots of info on approaches to rooting. http://www.google.com/search?q=rooting+hibiscus+cuttings
I have read that hibiscus like to be root bound, but mine have all made it in the ground.