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The best time to prune rose of Sharon is in late winter or early spring.
Learn how and when to prune rose of Sharon, as well as whether or not to deadhead it.
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When Should You Prune Rose of Sharon?
Rose of Sharon blooms on new wood, meaning it blooms on new shoots during the summer.
Pruning during dormancy helps avoid diseases entering your rose of Sharon through the wounds left by pruning.
If you prune too late in spring,you risk removing buds and losing out on flowersfor that year.
While pruning is not essential, it allows you to shape the plant to your liking.
But those blooms will be smaller.
Proper pruning reduces the amount of flowers, but those flowers will be larger.
In case you should probably cut bigger limbs, however, have loppers or a bow saw ready.
Tools should also be sterilized first with isopropyl alcohol to prevent the spread of disease.
Prune It Routinely
This is the standard pruning that applies to all trees and shrubs.
Each spring, inspect the branches of the plant.
If you are satisfied, trim evenly as you work your way around the shrub to maintain that shape.
Make the Right Cuts
Inspect a branch before you trim it.
You will see little bumps (nodes) along it.
When you make your cut, do so at a 45-degree angle and just above an outward-facing node.
This is unhealthy for the plant, as it reduces air circulation and invites disease.
Prune out some of the older inner branches at this point to “open up” the center.
Should You Deadhead Rose of Sharon Bushes?
Whether or not you should deadhead rose of Sharon depends on your landscape plans and on your maintenance preferences.
Rose of Sharon is a prolific reseeder.
If you want more of it, then you will view its ability to self-propagate as a bonus.
Rose of Sharon blooms on new wood.
