When is the best time to prune a hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)? A detailed guide to the best pruning times

1. Pruning young seedlings

1. For pruning young seedlings, the shape can be decided according to personal preference, but it must not be left unpruned, because if it is allowed to grow freely, its branches are very likely to grow in an unattractive way, and the main stem and side branches will not be clearly defined, which also makes it less attractive to look at.

2. If we want to prune it into a single-trunk small tree, we can pinch out the growing tip when it is only 15 cm tall, then keep two or three new shoots as the framework, and when the new shoots grow to 10 cm, pinch out the tips once more; in this way its shape will be clearly defined within that year.

2. Pruning after it has grown up

1. This needs to be done according to the plant's appearance to prune and shape it. If the branches are relatively short, we can just cut off the branches that are growing in an unreasonable way, while if it is growing too densely, part of it should be cut away, so that light penetration and ventilation are better and the plant grows healthier.

2. If the tree is growing poorly, or its lower part has become bare, or it has grown too tall, we should all prune it back during its dormant period.

3. In fact, by leaving two or three side branches or buds at the base of its side branches and then cutting off the branches at the top, we can make it shorter and enable it to grow a more beautiful and sturdy crown.

3. Pruning after flowering

For pruning after flowering, the spent flowers that consume nutrients should be cut off so that it blooms better. Generally, hard pruning is carried out on plants that have finished flowering.

4. Pruning old plants

We can prune old plants, usually hard pruning once every one to two years. Doing so can make new branches sprout quickly and also make the plant sturdier and more compact.