What Are the Best Tips for Pruning a Hibiscus?

Pruning a hibiscus is a simple process that easily produces fantastic results. The best time for pruning a hibiscus is in the spring, which will allow for stronger stem development. These plants are very resilient, so pruning a hibiscus might also be done in the early fall, prior to the first winter frost.

When pruning a hibiscus, it is important to first assess the plant, reviewing the overall health while searching for insects or disease-damaged limbs. Individual branch health can be checked by scratching the bark at the tip of each stem. If the color underneath is green, the branch is alive. If the color is brown, the branch is most likely dead. Areas of the plant that are dead, diseased or damaged need to be pruned first.

To begin pruning a hibiscus, remove about one-third of the branch at a time while making a cut that is at least a quarter of an inch (63.5 mm) above an upward or outward facing node, or stem bump. After a cut is made, clean white wood should appear. New growth will develop below the cut, facing the same direction as the nearest node. To obtain maximum health after pruning, the shears need to be sharp to make clean cuts that will heal quickly. Repeat the pruning process until all dead growth is removed and the plant's appearance is appealing.

Sterilization also is very important in the hibiscus pruning process. Several agents that can be used to cleanse pruning shears include alcohol-based hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and a bleach-and-water solution. To sterilize the pruning equipment, begin with the shears' blades and apply the sanitizer with a clean cloth. This solution should be left on for 15 seconds before,and the process will need to be repeated before making any cuts at first, between cutting each branch and after the pruning process is complete.

When the pruning process is finished, a hibiscus plant might appear shorter, smaller or out of balance until new growth develops. The larger the area is that is pruned, the longer the recovery time might be. It is important to keep the pruned hibiscus watered well and to use fertilizer weekly until new growth is established, and the branches will need to be checked frequently for insects and diseases. Additional improvements to the soil surrounding the base of the plant might be helpful in stimulating branch growth. Hibiscus plants thrive on attention, so after they are properly pruned, they are sure to be invigorated with renewed life.