Winter Care for Outdoor Hibiscus in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach (Zone 8a) winters are mild, but not all hibiscus are created equal. Your care depends entirely on which species you're growing.

Identify Your Hibiscus

• Hardy hibiscus (H. moscheutos and hybrids): Perennial, dies to ground each winter. Cut dead stems to 6″ after frost. No covering needed.
• Rose of Sharon (H. syriacus): Woody shrub, hardy to Zone 5. Prune late winter for shape.
• Tropical hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis): Not hardy below Zone 9. Must be containerized and brought indoors or treated as annual.

Next Steps

Check the plant tag or search the cultivar name. If they're tropical types, dig and pot them now for indoor wintering. If hardy, simply mulch the base and prune in late winter.

Reply with the variety name for precise instructions.