Pruning Hibiscus Plants

Pruning Hibiscus Plants is an easy task anyone can manage.  There are a few main questions hibiscus enthusiasts ask most often.  How often do I prune?  Where do I make the cut? What is the best time to prune?  We will answer all of the above questions and more in order to keep your hibiscus healthy, vibrant and loaded with flowers.

Pruning should be done primarily in the spring when stalks begin producing new buds; however, some pruning will be necessary during the growing season primarily for keeping the plant shaped.  Do not wait until buds turn to leaves, you will not only relinquish control over directing the growth but will retard the budding process.  Check your plants regularly and once temperature starts to warm and new buds are visible, you will know the time is right to begin pruning. 

In order to keep your hibiscus pruned properly purchase a good set of pruning shears. If you have hibiscus with large thick stems, you might also want to get a pair of lopping shears. Pruning shears should be kept sharp and clean.  This is important because it should be done in a manner which will not strip the bark from the wood stalk.  The cut should be made very cleanly at a 45 degree angle ¼ inch above a bud or eye.  Do not prune any lower than the second or third leaf set or bud from the main branch of the plant unless you want to get rid of thin unsightly smaller or sickly branches or shape the plant in a tree like fashion.  Begin by selecting branches that are out of proportion with the rest of the plant.  The goal is to remove approximately one third of the entire plant to reduce it in size, much larger healthier plants may be trimmed by half.  Younger, less mature plants should not be cut back as much. When pruning young hibiscus we prefer pinching new growth and prune an eighth or so off existing branches.  Prior to cutting, consider the overall shape of the hibiscus.  Decide whether you want a tree shape with no branches at the base or more of a bush or shrub look. When searching for a cutting site find new nodes that are pointing in the direction you desire new growth. Make the cut
 
Exercise patience after heavy pruning it may be halfway into the summer before a branch will begin producing blooms. Weather conditions vary greatly from every zone, adjust your needs accordingly. We lightly pinch in late July so new blooms will have time to develop before the fall.  After your plant is reduced in size resist fertilizing for two or three weeks to give it time to recover. In general, hibiscus develop a flurry of blooms as daylight shortens just prior to winters arrival. You will want to milk each plant for  last minute budding flower you can get because once winterized your not likely to see more blooms until spring arrives unless your storing them in your home or greenhouse. When alternating cuts around the plant each year, it is possible to have blooms by the end of spring.
 

Don’t be timid about cutting back your favorite hibiscus, you will be repaid with thick healthy foliage and many, many hibiscus flowers throughout the growing season.  For more information and articles on hibiscus care, click here.  Contact us with any questions you might have concerning pruning hibiscus plants.