Well, we have hibiscuses growing very well here, but we ARE in Italy: However, we get very, very cold and long winters up here in the mountains. This does prove they are certainly hardy, but whether they need a high level of sunshine to thrive is another matter.

Does it look like this............

http://bit.ly/xLANbC

If so, H.rosa-sinensis is not hardy. It can go out in a pot for the summer, but the merest whiff of frost will kill it.

The hardy Hibiscus is the Rose of Sharon (H. syriacus), but it is never seen as a houseplant. The one most commonly sold as a houseplant is H. rosa-sinensis, is a subtropical plant, which can't take temperatures below -2º C

I always thought the "rose of sharon" (pronounced rose of "shar-ron") was the Hypericum.

That is the problem with common names they can apply to more than one plant.

It is Andy - but seems interchangeable with other plants, particularly in other countries and parts of this country. And I'd echo Moon Grower's comment wholeheartedly...

I probably should have remembered, and left off the common name, but people get so intimidated by botanical names.

As above, it depends on the hibiscus you have ... one I know of (type unknown) is rarely watered, occasionally trimmed back off the path, and every year puts on a wonderful flower show. I haven't dared do anything to interfere with its flowering!! It is in a protected place between two heated brick walls, which will have had the advantage!!

Avkq47: If it is H. syriacus (likeliest) it will lose its leaves in winter, and the wall would help it get enough heat to bloom in summer--like it doesn't in many parts of the UK. If it is H. rosa-sinensis, it won't lose its leaves--but are you sure you live in the UK?! : )

Thank you all. I think I shall prune it in spring, re-pot it and then leave it in the kitchen. The blooms are lovely and I would hate to kill it by moving it outdoors.

So which one did you have?

I am positive I live in the west midlands, tugbrethril!! This particular hibiscus (from your suggestion sounds like syriacus) has been going for years and years ... it is two metres high and a little less wide. I have never fed it either!! You have given me a thought about cuttings - any suggestions please?

Hi Meanie. Having looked at photographs, I'm pretty sure mine is H. rosa-sinensis and hence the decision to let it stay indoors.

Good thought, Wannabe! You could take it out in the summer, and the extra light and humidity would really jump start the blooms, but--as Meanie says--don't let it get a whiff of frost.

Then I would be tempted to leave the pruning until late summer if there is plenty of new growth...........