From what I understand, hibiscus is tropical and you have to bring the tree indoor and hope it overwinters. There are hardy hibiscus but I don't think that's what you have.

I researched overwintering when I received one several years ago. One option was to try to give it a sunny spot indoors and let it grow on. It developed a whitefly infestation. Second option I read about was to let it go semi-dormant and keep it in a cool, but not freezing, place, like an attached but unheated garage, and I think just barely watered enough to keep it from dying. I didn't have such a place, and wasn't about to put up with the whitefly infestation, so out it went.

Thank you both for your responses. Even as I was writing, I knew it was naive to think I could plant in the ground . . . I will try your second method @agardenstateof_mind. Perhaps in the cellar this winter. I bought two almost dead and they're magnificent at the moment, full of giant yellow blooms, so for now, I'll enjoy them. Thanks again!

These will be examples of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. To maintain the braided effect you will have to continue this training with the new growth. Otherwise you will end up with a braided base while the rest of the top is normal - not a cohesive effect.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis care

http://www.bing.com/search?q=hibiscus+rosa+sinensis+care