How to Prune a Hibiscus Moscheutos

The hibiscus moscheutos plant -- also known as the crimsoneyed rosemallow or marshmallow hibiscus -- is a perennial shrub that reaches heights of 3 to 8 feet. These plants sport large, five-petaled blossoms in off-white with deep red centers. The showy hibiscus moscheutos requires basically the same pruning process as other types of hibiscus, but you've got to prune in the proper season to ensure proper growth.

Water-free antibacterial hand cleaner
Clean rag
Pruning shears
Pruning tar

Instructions

- 1
  Begin pruning your hibiscus moscheutos plant in the autumn to promote blooming in spring.
- 2
  Squeeze water-free antibacterial hand cleaner onto the blades of your pruning shears. Allow it to sit for about 15 seconds before wiping the blades with a clean rag. This sterilizes your shears before pruning.
- 3
  Cut any dead, diseased or injured branches at the point where they meet the steam. Sterilize your shears again after removing dead or diseased parts of the plant. Snip at an angle, leaving a slanted edge on each branch.
- 4
  Remove any branches or twigs that grow inward toward the hibiscus' stem.
- 5
  Identify any branches longer than the others on the plant. Find a leaf node – the small knobs on the branch – that faces upward, and make a cut just above that node. Leave about a quarter inch of branch beyond the node.
- 6
  Prune the remaining branches by about one-third of their length. Never leave a branch with less than two nodes.
- 7
  Remove any horizontal branches within 4 inches of the ground. The hearty hibiscus moscheutos is very resilient and will regrow these branches during the blooming season.
- 8
  Apply pruning tar to the exposed ends of any cuts you've made more than a half inch into the branch.

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