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.

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