For some great info on hibiscus (including growing them in colder climates) I'd check out the Queen of the Tropics webpage. I use it all the time and it's recommended by the Amercican Hibiscus Society.
As far as continuing to braid it; I bet it would be a thankless task. It was braided, then allowed to branch out and get full after that.
Barb

Here is a link that might be useful: Queen of the Tropics

Hello! I bought a braided hibiscus about a year and a half ago. Well I had the same thought of continuing braiding and lets just say its best to not to. Its not very flattering what you can braid and will end up putting the bush into unwanted stress and not to expect blooms for a while... :( I say just prune the bush every spring just a lil so it doesnt go into shock. But do so it can flourish and become much fuller. Other wise you will have long stragley branches.(thats why i thought to braid) By trimming you will make the bush more fuller. I hope i helped. :) Learn from my mistakes.

p.s. Just in case your wondering i ended up unraveling the ugly braid i attempted and the bush still in shock but much fuller from the dramatic trimming. Hopefully my hib will be bringing beautiful blooms again.