Hi
I also had 2 nice hibiscus trees in large pots, killed by katrina (story of my recent life). I would wait until early March to repot them. I used to overwinter them in the garage when there was a cold spell. They are tropical and I would take them in even for a good frost. Since they were not real easy to move I kept them by the garage and could move them in when needed, or just keep them there during january which is about the coldest month (st. bernard). they do get yellow leaves and drop the leaves if I recall this time of year, but dont' worry about that. I just pruned the branches as needed to keep the form, and I removed the faded flowers. I would not fertilize during the winter but would in spring and summer. I miss south Louisiana!

Hi Heidi,

I went to your page. FWIW, I'm pretty sure St M isn't zone 9. It's zone 8. I know because I used to live near there, in Loreauville. You might get some microclimatic effects right in town or if you're right on the Teche, but trust me, you're in Z8.

I miss home... right about now they'd be burning cane, and there's the festival in New Iberia... I don't think they burn the cane anymore, do they?

Your hibiscus won't make it outside - LaGal has the right of it. St Bernard is warmer/more south than StM and if LaGal couldn't overwinter, you certainly can't.

Thanks so much for the advice. I'll change my zone to 8 and yes some of the small farmers still burn the cane. We're right off of Cypress Island Rd. going toward Parks and there's cane burning all around us. Ukk! It'll be over soon though. Enjoyed the Sugar Cane Festival Parades. It's the last weekend in Sept. That's when the harvest of the sugarcane starts.
Our favorite fishing is taking the boat out of Marsh Field Landing in Loreauville down the Teche Lake Canal and just browse around the waters there.
Thanks again.
Have a nice evening.