Will07,
Do not despair. Hib M will need warm weather, sun, and water to emerge each year. I keep all mine potted and thinking we might have an early spring in KS, I got them started early indoors. Yay mid-west weather! We have another potential snow storm and 30 degree temps this week. Here are a few tips with these varieties.
1. They usually show new growth later in spring or early summer.
2. Keep them hydrated in the early spring. They like water, and thrive in this environment.
3. Once new growth appears, keep the water going.
4. The plant is dead if you pull on the 'stumps' and the plant moves freely.
4. Always keep in mind that Hib M. Are late growers.

I have attached a few photos of my Cranberry Crush. First is the 'stump'.
Ed

The top end.
Ed

Hardy Hibiscus usually makes its appearance in late Spring up here when the night temps reach the upper 50s-lower 60s, about the time Milkweed comes up. They thrive on warmth and sunlight.

Thanks for the info. I'll keep a close eye on mine but I'm almost certain it's dead. And Ed that's a really nice one! Lots of lush green leaves and wonderful flower buds

The last of the Hib M have finally started here. 'Lord Baltimore', 'Robert Fleming', 'Midnight Marvel', 'Cranberry Crush', 'Luna White', and now 'Plum Crazy' are up and running. Can not wait to get them outside and blooming!
Ed

First Hib M. bloom of the year. Too bad our weather wont settle down long enough to get them outside. Had snow 3 days ago.
Ed

I started to dig up the plant a few weeks ago but noticed the roots were perfectly fine and now the new shoots have started to emerge!

Will07,
Patience is the key with Hib. Moscheutos. Looks like you are off and running.
Ed-

My wife had those a few years ago and watered them everyday with MiracleGro added to the water.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dinner Plates

Sorry, the above reply should have been posted to Debbie Hughes' question.

After the frost burns it and you cut it down, I would pack the base of the plant with dry pine needles before covering it with the rose cone. Packing more of the same quite deep around the cone out about a foot or so will help insulate the crown and roots and also prevent frost heaving. Good luck!

Here's an update. She's been attacked by those damn Japanese beetles. They just started this week and of course the stupid province of Ontario has banned insecticide that isn't a contact spray so I have been spraying daily (and nightly) with End All. The beetles also love to get inside the rose bushes next to her and eat the petals of the blossoms before they open. I put up a Japanese beetle trap this afternoon and already I'd say there are 10 or more inside. Hopefully the hibiscus will be spared! The flower buds have just begun to emerge. I can't wait until they start to open!

Will, your hibiscus looks gorgeous and I so appreciate all the care and concern you've shown for it. It will be so pretty when it blooms!

Now...a word or two about the Japanese Beetles. You may want to rethink using a trap as they supposedly attract more beetles to your garden. I attached a link with some good information about controlling the darned things that may be helpful. I've had good luck over the years using Neem oil products on the plants plus treating the lawn for grubs.

Please post more pictures when your hibiscus is blooming.

Rosie

Here is a link that might be useful: Stop Japanese Beetles

Quick question. After zooming on your last picture, it looks like you have a baby hibiscus. Maybe Ed can tell for sure as my old eyes deceive me occasionally. :-)

Rosie

No that's not a baby hibiscus it's some ugly annual my father planted its called osteospermum. I hate them.

I planted a very young new mallow/peren hibiscus this spring in a 10" pot. It is now doing well but I do not want to take out of pot because I know the bunnies, etc will eat it. Can I leave it in a whiskey barrel type container covered w/mulch over the winter? Or shld I bring it indoors? It shld be large enough to put in ground next year but right now it has only reach new seedling stage. I've had this plant before & I know it grows rapidly in summer but afraid to take out of this pot for now. Thanks for any advice.

The flowers are just about to open! There are more buds than last year!

Across the street the neighbour has a white one, but it grows tall and skinny. Last year his was much more spectacular than mine but i havent seen even one flower this year on his and it looks pretty straggly. Last year I was jealous of his but maybe this year will be the other way round!

She's been blooming now for a couple of weeks, finally got around taking a pic.

Will irises compete with a rose mallow?

roni648,

A hardy hibiscus will shade irises out of existence if planted too close together. Plant your irises outside the spread of a hardy hibiscus in full sun as much as possible and they both can co-exist.