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What To Consider Before Pruning Your Hibiscus Plant
By WILL FORD
Each flower on a hibiscus plant only lasts for a day, but regular pruning is important as it can stimulate the growth of new branches, buds, and flowers.
Pruning a hibiscus shrub requires a careful approach to ensure its health. Prune around mid-February or early spring, followed by smaller cuts during the growing season.
Aside from the calendar, signs that your hibiscus plant is ready for its annual pruning include the appearance of dead or yellowing leaves, spent flowers, and overgrown branches.
To start, find dead or diseased branches and crowded growth. Then, use pruning shears to make a precise cut at a 45-degree angle a quarter of an inch above a node.
When pruning hibiscus, snip off any dying leaves, as they can drain the plant's resources, and target branches that cross or rub against each other, as these can create wounds.
Limit the amount pruned to a third of the total growth, and avoid pruning a hibiscus plant if it's displaying any signs of stress, such as wilting or drooping green leaves.