I had about five blooms on my hardy hibiscus, and then when I deadheaded each spent one, I noticed that the rest of the buds that had shown so much promise had been eaten from inside! There was nothing to show any signs of anything wrong. A friend told me to get some systemic food that had insecticide included--something used for roses--and "feed" it to my hydrangea. The plant looks great otherwise, so I'm hopeful, I can encourage new buds. Here is a link that might be useful:

Ummmm.......hibiscus LOVE wet. I grow most of mine in water gardens. OTOH, some of mine (not in water gardens) are dropping buds from being too dry this year. Unfortunately, evidently hardy hibiscus are difficult to root. I've rooted tropical hibiscus with no problem, but I tried several different hardies last summer with NO success. It may just be me....or they may actually be tough. But you CAN start them from divisions, once they have several crowns.

Hi, I need advice. I have a hardy Hibiscus tree. I get one every year. Last fall I moved from Mpls. To Ohio. I get this tree every year. The very first year after washing it down to bring inside many years ago the trying to keep the spider mites off was overwhelming. Eventually I throw it out. By this time the leaves are falling anyway. This is the first time my tree has a ton of babies along with many blooms as if was July its November. Seriously beautiful! I read about hardy Hibiscus. (never heard of) I brought her inside this afternoon we are expecting a freeze tonight. This is my first year in Ohio I'm not sure if the mites will take over being inside. I would like to keep her in the house through the winter. What do you suggest. I'm amazed, I told her she was confused - It's me that confused. This was in July she look the same except much fuller

Yes, the old dead stems stay unless you lop them off, but I always put a stake up next to the spot where they are so I know they're there. Mine has struggled this year, but I'm surprised it lived at all, to be honest. It was pretty pitiful when I bought it. I don't know if it will get large enough to bloom this year, and honestly, I'm considering digging it up and putting it into a container to see if I can get it to grow better. I had about 10 different varieties and cultivars in SC. They were late coming up, but bloomed like crazy all summer and put out lots of seeds If you just tuck it into a place where the foliage can be ornamental and forget about it, one day you'll look and find huge, gorgeous blooms. Well worth waiting for.