Hardy vs. Tropical Hibiscus in Tennessee: ID Yours & Overwinter Correctly

Critical Distinction: Which Hibiscus Do You Have?

Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

• Zone 5 hardy; survives TN winters in ground or large pots.
• Dull green leaves; huge, flat, dinner-plate flowers (white/pink/red).
• Dies to ground at frost; emerges May.
• Prune: cut all dead stems to ground in late winter.

Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

• Not hardy below Zone 9; must come indoors.
• Glossy, dark green leaves; smaller, trumpet-shaped flowers (many colors including yellow/orange).
• Visible stamens.
• Indoors: bright window, 55–65°F, water sparingly, no feed. Semi-dormant.

Photos for ID

• Tropical: plantoftheweek.org
• Hardy: klishis.com

Your TN (Zone 7) Plan

If hardy: leave pots out, shield from north wind, cut to ground after frost. If tropical: bring in before 50°F, treat as houseplant. Know yours—care is opposite.