When best to prune hibiscus - Ask Extension
Hello, I have a hibiscus plant that I've owned for approx. 7-8 years. I've kept it going by bringing it indoors during the colder months, then returni...
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When best to prune hibiscus #879251
Asked July 29, 2024, 1:42 PM EDT
Hello, I have a hibiscus plant that I've owned for approx. 7-8 years. I've kept it going by bringing it indoors during the colder months, then returning it outside spring through fall. Both its branches and roots have been pruned a few times, mostly to keep it the size I want and to keep it healthy within the confines of a smaller pot. My question is, when would it be best to cut it back? Right now it's really doing well outdoors, blooming and leafing out like mad. (Please see attached images.) I would imagine I'd want to wait till the growth has slowed, but I'm afraid of pruning it too close to the time it's brought back in as it might shock the plant and leave it to limp along all winter. It has been amazing to see it repeatedly look sickly, then bounce back. Thanks much!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Congratulations for supporting your hibiscus for so long. They are fun to have both inside and out. Pruning requires the plant to put a large amount of energy into establishing new growth. When you bring in for the winter it is best for the plant to 'rest'. The best time to prune your plant is around February. This will allow it time to start leafing out and form flower buds. Not long after this you can also start fertilizing it. Below is a link to information regarding growing hibiscus.
https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/hibiscus#:~:text=A%20rich%2C%20well%2Ddrained%20soil,buds%20dropping%20and%20insect%20pests.
https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/hibiscus#:~:text=A%20rich%2C%20well%2Ddrained%20soil,buds%20dropping%20and%20insect%20pests.