perennial hibiscus summer pruning?

by dan
(Towson, Md)

My perennial hibiscus is beautiful with lots of 10 inch blooms. However, it is in the front of our house and grows 7-8 feet tall with a "weed-like" look to the branches. I want it to look more full than scrawny. If I prune the taller branches earlier in the summer as they grow, will that help make the plant look more full?

Doug says if you prune it very, very early in the spring, you'll develop multiple stems.

All of which will grow into tall, straggly stems full of flowers. :-)

Pruning mid-summer isn't going to help much with this plant other than delay flowering even more but you can try.

The solution here is to find some of the newer varieties that are both more compact and good flower production. :-) But it can be a search and you may find yourself doing it online at some of the specialty hibiscus growers.