How to Prune Hibiscus Bushes

The large, showy flowers of the hibiscus plant, shrub and tree are delicate in appearance. Lily-like in appearance, they are trumpet-shaped and come in colors ranging from white to pink, purple and yellow. The flowers themselves are quite large, ranging in size from about an inch to nearly 6 inches across when open. Attractive to birds and bees, they add color in a landscape and are a primary ingredient in herbal teas and jams. Prune your hibiscus to shape it to your liking and to produce more flowers.

Things You'll Need

Pruning shears

Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

- 1
  Prune hibiscus shrubs after the new season's growth in the early fall. Do not wait, however, until frost has hit the area. If frost hits, save the pruning until early spring.
- 2
  Clean your pruning shears thoroughly before pruning your hibiscus bush so any diseases on your other plants are not transferred. Rubbing alcohol wiped over the blades works well.
- 3
  Cut just above the node on any branch you wish to remove. Leave at least two or three nodes on the branches you cut to allow for new growth.
- 4
  Remove any diseased or dead growth completely, cutting as close to the ground or main branch as possible.
- 5
  Cut out center-growing branches to allow air to circulate and new growth to emerge.

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