Before you reach for your pruners, double-check you know whichtype of hibiscusyou have.
Does Hibiscus Need Pruning?
For the best bloom, hibiscus should bepruned regularly.
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It stimulates branching and creates a fuller bush.
Pruning also lets in more light and improves air circulation.
Pruners
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The open wounds created by pruning make the plant vulnerable to cold.
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Dead, damaged, or diseased stems should be pruned at any time as soon as you notice them.
In the spring, new growth will emerge from the root system.
Using loppers, cut the dead stems back in the fall or in the spring before new growth emerges.
That gives your hibiscus the entire growing season to grow into a strong tree.
Hardy hibiscus and swamp hibiscus need a cleanup pruning of the dead stems every year.
Tropical hibiscus might only need minor selective or corrective pruning in some years and hard pruning in others.
The plant will become overgrown and too dense and will produce fewer flowers.
Lack of airflow also makes the plant more susceptible to plant diseases.
Also, remove any stems that cross.
University of Minnesota Extension.
