They do bloom on new growth, but if you prune them severely, you will delay their growth and blooming for months. This article received 30 testimonials and 97% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. ", "Great info and very clear. Thank you. You might need to prune a hardy hibiscus to promote a bushier plant, cut away any broken stems, remove spent blooms or prepare a plant for winter. All you need to know now is that hibiscus winter care is a bit different when it … A: It's best to prune when tender growth is not vulnerable to frosty temperatures, so wait until late winter or spring. It is, "I have a double hibiscus that I planted from cuttings off my mother's bush. Know why you prune. It will produce a better looking plant next summer. Work your way well down a branch that needs cosmetic surgery and find the growth nodes -- nodules on each branch where leaves sprout. Don't trim your weeping hibiscus to much, the long branches help with weeping effect. For more pruning tips, like what kind of tools to use, keep reading! This shrub will develop its delightfully appealing proportions all by itself. Don’t prune plums and related species during winter – it can lead to the spread of silver-leaf disease. Reinforced what I already knew. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Prune off about two thirds over the entire plant." Yes, provided that the plant was healthy and well taken care of. It is the beginning of May in Kentucky and my plant has shoots coming from the ground. This article has been viewed 537,834 times. ", "I am new to gardening, I am thankful that this article takes me through the entire process. Plus, I never knew to prune a plant leaf that is facing outwards. If the wood you find is white and hard, look further down the branch to find live wood for your cut. You do not want to remove more than 1/3 of the plant. Just prune back the bush by about 300 millimetres. Direct sunlight for long periods of time can burn their blooms. In general, late winter through early spring is the best time to prune perennial hibiscus. For the most part, hibiscus plants can be lightly pruned in late summer or early fall, but no hibiscus pruning should be done during late fall or winter. Can I put a sealant in those to keep the mealy bugs out? Yes, hibiscus is a perennial plant. You cover just about everything. Thank you for the graphics. They do along the Gulf coast, at least from Panama City to Houston. These, "I learned where to cut when pruning a hibiscus tree, as well as what time of year to begin pruning both, which were, "The article was very specific about trimming of hibiscus. Gently add your hibiscus into the hole and fill any remaining space with a mixture of the existing soil from your garden and a good quality garden mix. Prune in late winter/early spring when the resulting tender new growth will be safe from cold damage. It’s late February in California, and we’ve had unusually spring-like weather, so my Hibiscus is already starting to sprout. Hibiscus plants flower all summer long on city porches and suburban landscapes, but when autumn’s warm breezes turn … ", how far down the stem, and the proper tools to use. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. ", "Fantastic information. When established and after it has reached a height of about 1.5m / 5ft prune it once a year just after the flowers have died off, early September is normally a good time. If your entire shrub has been killed back, wait until early spring to cut back branches. ", planted in the ground. So yes, you can (and probably should) remove the spent flowers, but if you see pods forming, you can leave a few on the plant. When you prune the tops of the branches, it causes the plant to start shooting down lower and instead of bare sticks you will see a plant covered in nice green leaves, and more branches, and “more branches more flowers”. I was looking for information on pruning hibiscus plants and growing them from the prunings. How to Prune a Hibiscus Plant. If you notice any dead or diseased branches, cut those off as well. Pruning is a good time to check for hibiscus beetle. Should you pluck the bloom once it wilts? Pruning it each year will encourage a full shape and lots of flowers. How to Prune a Hibiscus Bush in Winter. Wait until your shrub’s bloom slows to a standstill -- typically around New Year’s -- to trim broken branches, branches killed back by frost or those that have grown so fast that they ruin the shape of the bush. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Try to do most of your shaping and general rejuvenation pruning in late winter as buds begin to break, pruning back no more than 30 percent of the branches each year to guarantee blooms each season. Thanks. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Hibiscus bloom on old wood, meaning that removing wood during winter will limit the following season's bloom. With a bit of corrective cutting, your garden will be full of healthy new hibiscus buds. ", losing its shape, but is getting so large that it is hard to move and cover for winter. Also, the video attached to the article was very informative. However, most hibiscus pruning occurs during spring. In Kentucky, when does a ground planted hibiscus begin to come up? ", back in hopes it will thicken the limbs and foliage and blooms. An avid perennial gardener and old house owner, Laura Reynolds has had careers in teaching and juvenile justice. When to Prune Hibiscus. If you plan to store the plant in a cool dark area over the winter, such as a basement, it's best to cut it back. I think I have killed my hibiscus. The new plants and flowers may not come true to the "donor" plant, but it's fun to try. Pruning the hibiscus helps control the size of the shrub. How to prune an apple tree. My hibiscus are lovely, green and healthy; they begin flower well; but then the leaves turn yellow and start to drop in the growing season. Not enough water will turn them brown. Don't worry -- I've been there! Note – The deciduous hibiscus is a different story altogether. Now I'm more determined then ever to save my hibiscus. This is often a sign that it's under-watered. Now I see mealy bug eggs layered in the old trunk creases. Why are the branches drooping on my hibiscus? One of the downsides to waiting later in the season to prune is that plants may not develop as many branches, and they will put out fewer blooms. Should I be pruning my hibiscus in the spring or fall? Shrubs cut back in January or early February should begin to show new bud growth within a month or two if they will survive, but they might not flower until fall. Hibiscus plants grow with terminal flowers; this means that each flower on a hibiscus plant grows at the end of a branch. I have a hibiscus plant that needs pruning. Apples that are grown on dwarfing rootstocks (M9 and M27) need little pruning, but medium or large trees benefit from being cut back hard. ", "Fantastic. Cut the end of the damaged or unruly branch off about 1/4 inch above the chosen node at a sharp angle. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Approved. This is because the trees are dormant in winter, so by cutting back branches and shoots, you are concentrating the flow of sap in spring into fewer buds, resulting in stronger growth. You can also prune off larger sections of your plant to maintain its shape. Check to ensure that the branch is alive by scraping away a bit of the soft bark -- green, moist wood is alive. Temperature fluctuation may badly influence a hibiscus tree, that’s why their proper winter nap needs … Choose a warm, bright place out of direct sunlight to work. You can cut a hibiscus all the way to the ground and it will come back. Hibiscus prefer to be in a sunny, but sheltered spot. For more pruning tips, like what kind of tools to use, keep reading! You can also prune a damaged or dying tree to prevent future decay and to promote new, healthy growth. I've successfully used a systemic insecticide on my hibiscus and of my other plants. Thank you! He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. ", and the situations to use the pruning methods in. If you put the brain piece I cut off in water, will they grow roots? In the tropics, hibiscus can flower throughout the year — including winter. Reading the article gave me a plan of, "This article, with its steps and pictures, adds an improved understanding and, maybe most importantly, courage. ", is about 8' tall, so I needed to prune it, but had no idea where to even start. ", "Great information! Any pruning of tropical hibiscus affects bloom. This article explains the different types of pruning, "All the information you offered has been gratefully accepted. Your tools must absolutely be sharp; a dull knife, shears, or saw will cause more harm than good if you try to prune with them. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Prune-Hibiscus-Step-01.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Hibiscus-Step-01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Prune-Hibiscus-Step-01.jpg\/aid1229294-v4-728px-Prune-Hibiscus-Step-01.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"