How to prune hibiscus and what to pay attention to

Hibiscus pruning time

Hibiscus should be pruned twice a year, mainly during the growing season and after the flowering period. During the growing season, topping and pinching are carried out to promote the growth of side branches. After the flowers fade, overgrown branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, thin and weak branches, crossed branches and overlapping branches are thinned out to save nutrients and promote flowering.

How to prune hibiscus

1. When the height of hibiscus seedlings is about 15 cm, they can be pinched to promote the growth of axillary buds at the bottom. During the process of sprouting and branching at the base, 3-4 strong new shoots can be left as backbone branches. When the new shoots grow 4 to 5 leaves, they can be pinched again, and a tree with 5-7 side branches can be formed in the same year.

2. Generally, steep branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, thin and weak branches, crossed branches and overlapping branches can be thinned out after each flower fades to encourage the sprouting of new branches and more flowering. Plants that have already bloomed can be heavily pruned, with the upper part cut off and the buds retained. This will allow more new branches to sprout, and the growth will be more vigorous and the flowers will be more colorful.

3. For old hibiscus plants, they can be heavily pruned every 1 to 2 years. Generally, 2-3 buds should be left at the base of each side branch. This can promote the sprouting of new branches and also control the plant height. After heavy pruning, the branches will bloom a little later, but providing sufficient fertilizer and water will make the plants grow vigorously.