Seed planting of hardy hibiscus?

I was wondering if I planted seed now will the plants overwinter inside or can I leave them on the porch? Also wondering if I can take cuttings from the hardy ones and root them? I know you can root confederate rose in water..not sure about the rest. Oops, one more question, I have a Texas Star, red one, and it is kinda lanky, if I cut the branches back will it bush out better for me next year? Thanks so much for your help!
JanetS

Hey Janet, I have rooted cuttings, they root easy...just pull all the leaves off and stick it in soil and put it somewhere shady. I have started the seeds indoors in January, they take a long time. You are a lot warmer than me, so I don't know about your porch, as for cutting them back..well..ours die right down in the fall, so again I am not sure. Hope I helped with the seeds and cuttings though. I am sure someone will pop in and let you know about the rest. LeeAnne

Thanks for the info...I have someone that wanted cuttings and wasn't sure about them, so that helps a lot. I think I will try some of my seeds and see if they sprout or not...and save some for spring too. Can't hurt I guess. I have some that die all the way back as well but the Texas Star didn't do that last year, it kept its branch and sprouted some new branches on the old...at least I think it did...lol...maybe I am wrong...I know I have seen several that were really nice and bushy, but mine is really tall and only a few main branches...I'll see if anyone else jumps in with info...thanks again!

Hey

I'm not jumping in with more info but instead want to thank ya'll for the above information.

Someone just gave me a bunch of cuttings of 6-7 varieties of swamp hibiscus and Confederate Rose. He can give me some more if these don't do well but I would like to see them sprouting, rather than drying up.

Janet, good luck .........and you're not too far from me. I'm in the Gainesville area!

Brenda B

Yes, I know where Lula is...when you are heading down this way give me a holler! I may have something you would like a share of in the garden..always have plenty to share!
JanetS

JanetS,I may not be any help at all, but I too have the red texas star,and I am sure that all my new growth came from this seasons growth,because , at the time I was wondering the same thing,and saw it happen,then I cut the old out to the ground, and it became more beautiful than the year before.They get larger each year with care,and compost.Good luck finding the white TS, I have been trying for over a year,and empty so far, I even have a bid on e-bay for some,but thats a chance,and they are also selling the red.Whoever said they take a long time to germanate,was not kidding.I planted mine in Jan.,moved them outside in Apr,and the squrriels dug them up,along with red buckeyes,so I need a gauntlet.Mike