Move to southern California! There are some cultivars of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis that handle our winters better than others, but in general they just don't like our winters. Better to plant one up against the house facing south or west, with a large overhang to keep it drier in winter. Not going to work as a hedge out in the open, wishful thinking to think they will.

I grew two in Watsonville for several years before the frost got them. They were on the east side and on each side of the steps into the house. They were a magnet for scale which turned the stems black. Because of their location spraying for scale without getting it all over the steps was difficult. When they died no one cried. Al

They are not all that great in So Cal either, unless you are in Sunset 24. San Diego is best.

I had one- it always looked terrible, got scale, giant whiteflies, and the leaves were always yellow. I took a few photos of the extraordinary flower (one) and shovel-pruned the shrub. I think they like Hawaii.
Renee

And to think that I wasted so many $$$ on them all these years! I should sue all the local nurseries that sell them as perennials over here - they perennially waste my money. I might still try growing one against a south facing wall to see how well they survive, but I will divert my energies to camellias now. Thanks, as always.

I'm in Oceanside,along the coast.We have several of them,all different varieties,the main problem we have with them is white flies,but we just blast them with water,and if there are a lot of white flies we make up a soapy water and spray them,leave it on for awhile,followed by blast of water again.
Our plate size hibiscus is gorgeous,and we also have a pink and white one that's at least 15 ft tall,dh cuts it back quite often,we also have yellow,red and a few other colors.
Later on i'll try to remember to go to my pb and find pictures of mine and show you.
Kathi