When is the best time to prune Hibiscus?

Hibiscus pruning effect

When planting many plants, pruning is very important, and hibiscus is no exception. Pruning can promote the germination of flower branches and new buds, and maintain the beautiful shape of the plant.

Hibiscus pruning time

Hibiscus is suitable for pruning after budding and flowering in spring. It grows relatively rapidly in spring, so proper pruning is necessary at this time. Pruning will promote better germination and the growth will become more luxuriant. In addition, proper pruning should also be done at the end of the flowering period to save nutrients as much as possible and help it recover. It can be pruned once a year after flowering.

How to prune hibiscus

1. Shaping

   Shaping plants that are relatively large and grow unevenly, such as shortening branches that are too high or too dense, can increase the light transmittance and ventilation of the hibiscus, allowing most of the branches and leaves to receive sufficient light.

2. Cut off dead and weak branches

   Cut off some annual dead branches, weak branches, inner branches, etc. to avoid nutrient loss and make the crown look more neat and beautiful. The cut dead branches should be burned or cleaned up in one go to avoid infection by bacteria or pests.

3. Pruning after flowering

   After the flowering of Hibiscus, pruning should be done before wintering, and the dead flowers and branches should be cut off. Some pests often appear on the dead flowers and stigmas. If there are still dead flowers on the plant and they are not dealt with, some pests may appear, affecting the growth of Hibiscus in the spring of the following year.

Tips for pruning hibiscus

The cut must not be close to the intersection of the previous branch, but should be kept at least 5 cm away from the intersection to avoid the inability to normally transport nutrients to the branches and leaves due to pruning. In addition, the cut should be smooth to avoid multiple repeated wounds.