The flowering hibiscus shrub is a tropical plant suitable for planting in the ground or in a pot.  It blooms early summer through the fall.  Although it is a perennial plant, in our area, Zone 6, it is not able to withstand the winter.  It can be cut back in the fall, put in a building or in your home where it will not freeze for the winter months.  You must keep the plant watered throughout the winter.  Put it back out in the spring and it should sprout out with new foliage then back out on the patio it goes when the threat of frost is over.