Is Tropical Hibiscus Hardy in Upstate New York?

Ask The Plant Expert:

I received a hibiscus tree for a gift. I live in upstate New York. I know that some will tolerate the cold, but this one had no label on it, so now I am wondering if there is a way to tell if it will make it through a winter. Does anyone know how to yell if it is cold hardy? Thank you Mike

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

Mike,

If your hibiscus tree looks similar to the one above, it is a tropical hibiscus tree (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and a member of the Malvaceae family (Mallow family). They are sometime referred to as a Chinese Hibsicus. They are only hardy in zones 9-11 which unfortunately leaves upstate NY (zone 5b) out. However, many people have success over-wintering their hibiscus in their homes as a potted plant. The Missouri Botanical Garden has some great information on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis