What are the pruning methods for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis?

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, also known as Zhujin, Fo Jin, or Da Hong Hua (big red flower), with single or double petals. To keep the tree shape graceful and the flower count high, the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is pruned, and the pruning methods are as follows:

1. Pruning methods for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Based on the strong branching and sprouting ability of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, pruning and shaping can be done in early spring before and after the plant is moved outdoors. Leave 2-3 buds at the base of each branch and cut off everything above; pruning encourages new branches, makes growth more vigorous, and also makes the plant shape more attractive. After pruning, because the above-ground part consumes less, water and fertilizer should be appropriately restricted.

2. Propagation methods for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is mainly propagated by cuttings and grafting. Cuttings are generally taken between May and October; this is the period of vigorous growth for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, and the cutting survival rate is highest. When taking cuttings, pay attention to selecting the cuttings; practice has shown that one-year-old branches that are not yet fully lignified give the highest survival rate as cuttings.

When taking cuttings, cut the branches into small sections 10 cm long, remove the leaves at the bottom, keep the leaves at the top, make the cut smooth, then insert them into a sand bed, maintain relatively high air humidity, and keep the room temperature at 18°C to 21°C. About one month after cutting, roots can form.

Before cutting, treat the base of the cuttings with indolebutyric acid, which can shorten the rooting period. Once the roots are about 4 cm long and new branches have grown from the cuttings, they can be transplanted into pots. The grafting method is mainly carried out in spring and autumn. It is mostly used for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis varieties that are difficult to root from cuttings or root slowly, especially double-petaled varieties with a relatively low cutting survival rate. Either branch grafting or bud grafting can be used; for rootstock, it is recommended to use single-petaled Hibiscus rosa-sinensis varieties that are strong and vigorous by nature. Grafted seedlings produce branches and bloom in the same year.