question from hibiscus newbie

hi, i got bit by the hibiscus bug last summer when a nursery was having their annual half-off sale & they had some really pretty hibiscus.....not sure the ones i planted will come back as they seem to have been trampled even though i cut them back like i saw at the nursery in the fall
& then i have two that are trees....those are the ones i need help with
i had them in our cellar to over-winter them and my husband just took them out the other day....i still have them protected in an under porch area

do they need to be cut back any?
i don't see any new growth starting so i don't know if they are still dormant or if the cellar did them in

thanks for all and any help :-)
lynda

For the trees, cut back the branches a little, hoping to see white pith in the middle and a green circular band of cambium just inside the bark. If you dont find such, keep cutting until you do. Viable depends upon how cold your cellar was. These are tropicals and there be no cellars in the tropics for winter storage of flowering trees. If they ARE alive, put them out into the most sun and warmth asap, and water somewhat sparingly until you see green buds swelling. Fertilize when you see tiny leaves forming, using anyone's Hibiscus Food.

For the grounded ones, give them a chance to start growing again before you despair. Depending upon how cold your winter was, they might come back. Patience, as my father used to preach to me . .
luck to you,
Barry

thank you Barry!

i didn't have to cut back far to see white pith....the cellar doesn't get very cold as the water heater is in it....i have renewed motivation to find a place inside the house when it is too cold for them outside....i'm sure they will fit in fine with the brugs and any other tenders i end up with :-)

lynda