Dead hibiscus?

[Gruener Daumen]

Hello!

I planted a potted hibiscus last September. It still hasn't budded or shown any other signs of life. I found one site on t'internet that said they could often be a bit sulky and only start sprouting in May- but surely this is ridiculous!

The one thing that gives me a bit of hope is the fact that it seems firmly rooted; when I tug on it, it won't budge. Surely that's a good sign?

What's your verdict? Dead or not? Ditch it or be patient?

Many thanks.

[WendyC]

Mine which has been in the garden for years only just has small buds now and I'm further south than you. Try scratching a little of the bark off. If green underneath it's alive, brown means it's died!

[Gruener Daumen]

That's great to hear! Very encouraging!

I'll try the scratch test next time I'll walk past.

[Martin H]

My hibiscus is only just now turning green and the season is probably a bit more advanced down here. Hibiscus is notorious for being one of the last shrubs to come into leaf. I'd give it a couple more weeks at least.