Marianne's Response

How to over winter rose mallow hibiscus babies

I took cuttings from my rose mallow hardy hibiscus plants and have successfully rooted a bunch of plants that I give to friends or plant in my yard. We live in zone 8A and wonder how I can overwinter the tender plants that are in small 3 and 4 inch nursery containers. I would like to keep them outside if possible. I also have an unfinished basement or an outside raised deck I could put them under.Do they need sun in the winter? Thanks for your help. I would hate to lose my new tender plants due to the cold. Susan

Posted by Susan Ladnier on October 18, 2026

Marianne's Response

Good for you and take a moment to celebrate your green thumb! Your young cuttings will be fine outdoors under your deck as they go dormant in winter and do not need much light. Bring them into the sunlight in mid spring when you see leaves sprouting on maple trees. Keep them near the house at first for wind protection then repot into larger containers if needed and transplant into the ground once you see a good root system. I am going to guess based on your zone and the plants in the photo that they can be planted into the ground this May. Good luck and Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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