It will depend alot of weather conditions because I had mine in the cool garage or outdoors on nice days in the winter, and they really have taken forever (a few mos) on some of them to open...whereas in the spring or early fall the buds seem to grow much faster and flower sooner. Maybe if you can give it more warmth and greenhouse conditions you could get flowers sooner. Just don't let the plant dry out or be in windy areas or the buds will fall off or dry up..Also make sure it gets enough light.

"How long" is determined by several factors...partly the genes of your plant and partly enviornmental. But if the corolla (petals, if you will) is emerging from the green calyx, you shouldn't have long to wait - maybe a day or two. If the flower is quite long (like 'Cypress Gardens') the corolla can take longer to extend to its full length before flaring open. Watching these last stages of development is fun...enjoy the show! Patrick

Sounds like aphids to me. Hidden Valley Hibiscus has a great web site with info about how to identify pests, and what to use to correct the situation. The first thing to do if it is aphids, is to spray your buds to remove the aphids. Knocking the aphids off with a spray of water actually will kill the aphid, as their probiscus (beak) is broken off in the process, and without that, they cannot eat. Also, check to see if you have ants. If so, place ant bait around the base of your hibiscus so you can control the ants. The ants will protect the aphids, and keep them going on your plant in order to harvest their secretions. The best product around to control aphids is Green Light Tree & Shrub with Safari. This product will cover all types of aphids, even a resistant variety that has developed here in California. Plus, it's super easy to use, and lasts 2 to 3 months. I would try to take some close up pics and post them, so we can actually take a look and help you identify the offending bug. Patty S. Here is a link that might be useful: Hidden Valley Hibiscus - Pest Control

Thanks! No reason these can't wait until fall...I actually moved one I purchased a few years ago that was to close to a walnut tree(before I learned what our backyard problem that caused many things to die) we hardscape a as well...and I transplanted the Peony that I had purchased in a nursery. It was barely a plant...poking out of the ground and had never bloomed. Now it is thriving and has several buds. So since the peonies have buds...do I cut them back in the fall before I move them then? They aren't hurting anything where they are planted...other than they get barely any sun.