Pruning Perennial Hibiscus

by Olga
(Grand Rapids MI)

Can I still trim (cutting down the old stalks) it in the spring or wait now for fall? Do you even recommend trimming? It's about 5' tall & about 3' wide & 2 years old.

Doug says that he cuts his right to the ground in the fall (or very early spring if he's lazy in the fall). This plant starts growing very late in the spring so you can cut it right back with no worries. Besides, in Michigan, it's not going to be producing a lot of growth on last year's stems anyway. (if any) :-) So whack all old ones back and let the new ones bloom for you.