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Pruning guide · Houseplant
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): when and how to prune
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–October |
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): when to prune it?
In March, before new growth starts and before it forms buds.
What else to prune in those months? March
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): how to prune it?
- Cut the branches back by a third to a half, just above a leaf or bud.
- Remove weak, dead and inward-growing branches.
- Pinch out the tips of young plants a few times in spring so they branch well.
- An old, leggy plant can be cut back hard; it usually regrows well.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Caution: Do not prune in summer: it flowers on new shoots, and what you cut off then are the buds for the coming weeks.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.