How to Trim a Hibiscus Plant

Overview

Hibiscus plants grow very quickly and need major pruning in late spring, with occasional pruning in late summer and early fall. It will help stimulate future growth and large flower production. It is important to understand how to properly prune a hibiscus plant to make sure it grows properly each season.

Step 1

Prune hibiscus plants in late spring thoroughly, but you can also do light pruning in late summer or early fall.

Step 2

Put on the heavy work gloves to protect your hands. Examine the hibiscus plant for any diseased or broken branches. Cut these back all the way first. If there were diseased branches (these resemble rotting, or dead branches) sterilize the pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before pruning any other branches.

Step 3

Prune all hibiscus branches about a third of the way back right above the nearest node about a quarter of an inch. Each branch should have two to three nodes on them after you cut them back for future growth.

Step 4

Cut away completely any branches that are growing across other branches or directly into the center of the hibiscus plant.