We have readers from all over the world and receive their queries daily in our email inbox. Recently, a reader wrote to me from the state of Florida asking how and when to prune hibiscus in Florida. Florida has excellent weather for hibiscus, and that is why in this article I will explain how and when to prune hibiscus in Florida correctly.
The ideal temperature for hibiscus is between 55 °F to 70 °F (13 °C and 21 °C), which makes the state of Florida ideal for hibiscus. In Florida, you can grow your hibiscus outdoors without any problem, in other states, it will be necessary to grow hibiscus in pots or protect it during the winter.
How and When to Prune Hibiscus in Florida
Hibiscus pruning promotes proper hibiscus growth and development. The weather in Florida is ideal for hibiscus because it is warm and humid during most of the year.
Florida winters are short and mild, which is an advantage for hibiscus, which does not receive extreme cold or frost. Continue reading to learn how and when to prune hibiscus in Florida.
When to Prune Hibiscus in Florida
The best time to prune hibiscus in Florida is early spring. Pruning the hibiscus will encourage the development and growth of hibiscus. Depending on where you live in Florida, the timing of hibiscus pruning will be a little different.
For example, if you live in the South Florida area around Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you can prune your hibiscus in early spring. On the other hand, if you live in northern Florida such as Tallahassee, I recommend waiting a bit and pruning the hibiscus in late March.
Check when is the last frost where you live to ensure the correct time to prune hibiscus in Florida. Pruning hibiscus in Florida in the spring will promote the growth of the plant and new flowers.
How to Prune Hibiscus in Florida
To start pruning hibiscus in Florida, you need pruning shears and a saw if your hibiscus already has thick branches. The tools must always be sharp and disinfected, the sharpness of the tool is very important to make a perfect cut in the hibiscus and not damage it.
Don’t start cutting branches without planning, or the hibiscus will end up with a strange and unattractive shape. Take some time to observe the hibiscus and define what you will cut.
The first thing to cut will be the diseased, dead, or pest-attacked branches. Observe and cut those branches first. I recommend wearing gloves and protective goggles when pruning hibiscus.
Cut the hibiscus stems at a 45-degree angle at about 1/3 of their length. Repeat the process until the desired hibiscus branches are cut. Annual pruning of the hibiscus is recommended to encourage the development of the plant.
During the spring and summer, when you see the hibiscus growing, it is advisable to apply fertilizer for hibiscus. The fertilizer will help the hibiscus to develop and prepare it for autumn and winter. I recommend you read our article about the best fertilizer for hibiscus in Florida.
With these tips, you now know how and when to prune hibiscus in Florida. Always use sharp, disinfected tools when pruning hibiscus. Learn more about how to prune Rose of Sharon.
Final Conclusions
As you learned in the previous paragraphs, the best time to prune hibiscus in Florida is in the spring. You just need to make sure when the last frost will be in the area where you live.
I hope this article on how and when to prune hibiscus in Florida will be helpful. I recommend our article about yellow leaves on hibiscus and when to prune hibiscus for winter.
