
Best Time to Prune Hardy Hibiscus
Should I be pruning my hibiscus in the spring or fall?
The perennial hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus and Hibiscus moscheutos) die back to the ground each winter and send up new growth in spring. They are hardy in zones 4 or 5 through 9 and slow to emerge in spring. I had to wait until early July one season, so be patient. Northern gardeners should let the plants stand for the winter to increase cold hardiness. Cut the perennial hibiscus back in late winter or early spring. Leave 6 inches of stem intact to mark its location and protect this late to emerge plant from accidental digging. The Rose of Sharon is also a hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) hardy in zones 4 or 5 through 8 or 9. This is a shrub that blooms in late summer. Prune these in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Remove any dead branches. Cut dead tips back to a healthy side branch or above a bud. Limit additional pruning to what is needed to shape or control the plant’s size.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More