Trimming Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon is a low-maintenance flowering shrub that can thrive almost anywhere in America. Bloom colors include shades of pink, red, purple or white. Because it flowers from late summer through early fall, it brings color to the garden after most other flowers have faded, according to the National Gardening Association. Flower buds grow on new wood, so cutting back old branches will not reduce the number of blooms. It is best to perform major trimming in early spring while your Rose of Sharon is still dormant and before new leaf buds open. The average mature Rose of Sharon can grow to about 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

Rubbing alcohol
Pruning shears
Pruning saw

Instructions

- 1
  Clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol to disinfect. Use a pruning saw to make clean cuts on larger branches; use sharp tools. Always angle your shears at 45 degrees and cut just above leaf nodes, the swollen parts of the stem where new growth starts.
- 2
  Cut dead branches down to the ground with your pruning saw. Trim any diseased branches down to the first healthy leaf node. Remove any wilted or dying leaves.
- 3
  Trim off any crossing branches that rub against other branches and wear on the bark. Clip off any long, leggy branches to encourage new side shoots and flower buds to grow. Make the cut at the junction close to the thick main branch.
- 4
  Prune your Rose of Sharon back to three buds per branch if you want larger flowers. Lightly trim to maintain shape anytime from early spring to early winter. Avoid trimming during droughts or extreme heat.

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