Hello Is it too LATE to prune a Hibiscus Tree? We keep it in the house in the winter and put it outside in the spring and summer. It is about 5 years old and last summer it only flowered a few times. The year before it was covered with blooms. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Vibe_s
Sounds like the evergreen tropical H. rosa-sinensis: WHEN TO PRUNE Late spring. TRAINING AND PRUNING Prune young plants lightly if necessary to ensure a wall-balanced framework of branches. Prune established plants by as much as one-third, and shorten laterals, leaving two or three buds. Dead wood attracts canker, so should be removed promptly. To renovate completely, remove older branches entirely and cut the remainder back hard. The response is usually good, but if most stems have died back, it is best to replace the plant --Cristopher Brickell/David Joyce, The American Horticultural Society Pruning & Training (1996, DK Publishing, New York) Presumably they're talking about specimens being grown outdoors yearround in suitable climates but most of it should apply to yours also. For additional information check web sites, searching under plant's botanical name - this is a popular item and there is lots of discussion - both on forums and on other kinds of sites.
