I think that in most cases the reasons for 1or 2 size up rlue of thumb is based more on watering issues than too much grwoth without blooms ( I won't swear by it but I have done so many other plants that bloom in over sized pots and had not loss of blooming action:). I continue to here this about bougainvillas but have never heard it said about hibiscus. Hibiscus do resent wet feet but do love to be moist and not water stressed. Aborted blooms are frequent in these situations. I don't give my containered hibiscus all day sun in the summer because drying and bloom aborting happens too much at 100 degrees in July and August. I am potting up some one gallon hibs today and doing them in 3 to 4 gallon size plastic containers and then will double pot them in some cool mexican pottery for cooling, weight and display reasons. I look to grow my hibs in a pot size that allows for me working full time and not wanting to set up auto drips to keep them moist in summer and still small enough to not take too much room in the house for the winter. It can get to be a jungle in my living room as is and I am trying to not have so much clutter (plants good clutter:) over the winter months. SO this is my style to accomplish my goals and still have the hibs happy. All container growing is a balance of what the plant and person tending to it wants out of the relationship and making reasonable compromises to attain those goals. Sounds a little like marriage doesn't it and maybe it is more than we realize. I love my plants and I love my wife and I seek that compromise that keeps them both happy and me not feeling like growing them is a chore but a joy to behold just like I feel about life with my wife. Hope some of this makes sense and helps you decide what you will do. One more thought is that windy and conditions are tough on blooms and we are back to wateing and keeping your hibs happy so whatever you feel will do this is what you should do. Better a few less but spectacular blooms than more blooms but constantly seeing them shredded before you really enjoy them.
Happy Growing whatever you decide. David

Thank you David. You seem to have a very good outlook on both life and growing hibiscus and I enjoyed reading your post.

I decided to go with a pot thatÂs just a bit larger than the black nursery pot itÂs currently in. This makes it a bit easier to carry in and out. It will stay on the deck for summer but if an early frost threatens or severe thunderstorms (things have a way of blowing off the deck) I will be able to take it in. Actually the next few days look unseasonably cool. Usually people start planting their annuals this weekend but maybe not this year.

Though I havenÂt transplanted it yet, but the first thing I did was put a small layer of soil over the roots. It was pretty potbound and has a lot of roots exposed near the surface (those from what I read surface roots are sort of the norm).

ItÂs funny, when I bought the plant I rationalized that people pay $30 for a bouquet of flowers (that lasts a week), so even if I just keep the plant for the summer I am ahead of the game. Now I am thinking I will bring it indoors for winter so hopefully I can enjoy for many years. I also have a small house but will try to make room.

Thanks again,
Glen