How can i turn my hibiscus bush into a tree??

I'm new at gardening and I absolutely LOVE tropical plants. However, I live in NH so unfortunately we aren't blessed with these gorgeous plants/flowers. Anyways, I bought a hibiscus bush yesterday and when I was at the store i saw what appeared to be was of small hibiscus trees...My mother told me that you have to train your plant to grow that way. If so, how do I go about doing that?


Thanks!


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How can i turn my hibiscus bush into a tree??
Tropical hibiscus plants are categorized into Bush (or shrub) forms and Tree (or Standard) forms.





You can train your hiciscus into a tree form, by cutting off all stems but one. Use a stake for training this stem, and prune off all side stems or shoots. You are aiming for getting the shoots to form a bushy top.





Since you live in NH, and don't get a long growing season, you'd be better off to purchase a tree form.





One last thought, hibiscus prefer sun, and tend to develop root rot if they are overwatered..provide good drainage for your plant. Mites can also be a problem..just hose off, or use an insecticidal soap to prevent infestations.





You can bring your plant indoors for the winter season, if it is a tropical vs. a "hardy" hibiscus.
Reply:There is a wide variety of hibiscus plants. Some are perennials that grow from the ground each year and die back each fall. These are the ones that have the huge gaudy tropical type flowers.





Others are bushes, like rose of Sharon. The latter can grow really large without much encouragement. You just need a few years of patience.





Make sure before you buy that whatever you grow can take your New England winters.
Reply:If it is tropical, you will need to bring it inside in the Fall and bring it back out in June. Tropical hibiscus cant live in New England outside. If you have a hardy hibiscus..well..that's a different story.