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Today I found my young hibiscus plant with it's two stems bent almost off from the main stem and laying on the ground. I clipped them off. I see some green on the main stem. Will it continue to grow and branch out again. Wonder what caused the stems to break off.
Here's a pic of the remaining main stem. The bottom picture is of the other one I have and it's doing well. They were both about the same size when this happened, except the "weak" one didn't have as many branches.

Here's a better pic of the lonely stem...hoping you can see the green toward the bottom.

Here's what it looked like to begin with...1 healthy stem in the spring grew two stems.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nance425,

Just be sure to much the root area well this fall & then see if it makes it back next spring. Also, be sure to give it plenty of time to "show up" next yr....some times they are slowwwww!

Some critter probably stepped on it. As long as there's green on it, it will continue to grow. Keep it well watered.

Hey, thanks mgt...that's encouraging. I'll be keeping an eye on it watching it grow, hopefully. And you're right, even though we have so few adult trees, we get the "critters" but they never show their faces.

Hi Nance,

Wondered if it was critters also. Could you put something around it temporary to protect it- perhaps a tomato cage?

Is that the pretty purple-pink bloom hibiscus? I just saw them at the garden shop.

BR: Good idea about the cage. Here's a picture of it. Huge red flowers, but they only last a day.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nance425,

Here's the 2nd day:
But they are prolific. I had several buds on those stems that broke off. Heartbroken to see it.

Now that I see the "before" pic, I think y'all are right. Musta been a critter. See how the two stems were before "he" stepped on them. Darn critter!!!!

I have 3 of them across my slope in front of the grasses...and then in front of the Hibiscus are Ash Spirea. I just love the sprirea's leaves and they are putting out nice white flowers. (you can kinda see one).

Hopefully, in a year or 2 they will all fill out nicely, with the beautiful Christie's standing out above the spireas!
That's my hope, anyway, if those darn critters stay away!!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nance425,

Nance,

Your hibiscus color is gorgeous and indeed pretty mixed into the garden. Your plants look very young and tender with the soft green stems. That's why I suggested protecting them.

Our hibiscus here in FL usually have more woody stems.

Just looked back at your first pic. It's hard to tell if the stems were hardy or not. Good luck on protecting the pretty hibiscus.