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With its beautiful funnel-shaped blossoms, the hibiscus, also known as rose mallow, is a real eye-catcher in the garden and in the home. This splendor of flowers requires appropriate care of the hibiscus, in particular the right cut at the right time.

In a nutshell

  • Timing depends on the desired result
  • Main cutting time in early spring
  • Autumn time for cosmetic corrections
  • Winter is the best time for pruning

Main cutting time - Early spring

Basically, you don't necessarily have to cut hibiscus (Hibiscus). Nevertheless, pruning is recommended at least once a year, the plants branch better, form more new shoots and develop a harmonious shape. If the plant spreads too much, intermediate cuts can also be made. The best time for pruning is early spring. Now the growth phase begins and the interfaces heal particularly quickly.

  • first cut immediately after planting (plant pruning)
  • Do not cut hibiscus that is already in bloom until next spring
  • in existing plants before new growth
  • between early and mid-February
  • the weaker the plant, the stronger the pruning
  • when basic shape is reached, a grooming cut annually
  • from the second year of growth
  • cut between February and the beginning of March
  • Late winter also time for maintenance and hedge trimming

In order to raise the hibiscus as a standard, the cut is spread over three years. These pruning measures should also be carried out in the spring, ideally in the first half of May.

Tip: The plant cut ensures better branching and a compact growth habit and the growth cut is used to build a stable framework. Maintaining shape and flowering is the goal of maintenance pruning.

fall pruning

In general, early spring is the best time to cut back. If this was missed, it can also be done in autumn after flowering, if necessary, because hibiscus is very robust and cut-tolerant. However, this late cut harbors the risk of frost damage below the cut points up to total failure in locations that are particularly cold in winter.

An exception is the Sauden marshmallow such as B. the marsh marshmallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). This species moves in in late summer, i.e. the above-ground shoots die off in autumn, only the roots overwinter in the ground. Accordingly, this marshmallow is cut off close to the ground in autumn.

rejuvenation in winter

Winter is reserved for marshmallows that are getting on in years, have not been pruned for a long time, are neglected or are ailing. The best time is between November and February. Radical cuts, which are often necessary for rejuvenation, should not be carried out too often. They would severely affect the plants and affect both growth and flowering, even if hibiscus generally tolerates cutting very well.

Tip: After a radical rejuvenation pruning, the plant tries to compensate for the loss of substance and is limited to the growth of roots, leaves and stems. As a result, there is usually no flowering in the following year.

Avoid cutting errors

The biggest mistakes you can make with this attractive plant are probably a wrong or unfavorable pruning time or the complete lack of pruning measures. A few other things should also be considered for the sake of plant health.

  • Fall pruning may result in frost damage
  • Pruning is better every year in late winter
  • in case of frost damage, cut down to the old wood
  • Consequences for no pruning, few flowers and short flowering time
  • Pruning isolated, disturbing shoots possible all year round
  • Cuts slightly oblique and just above one eye
  • cut to astring when removing shoots
  • important for wound healing
  • only use clean and sharp cutting tools
Lice infest the hibiscus

Tip: Not infrequently, diseases and pest infestations are often the result of pruning errors. Germs and other pathogens can penetrate and spread more easily.

frequently asked Questions

Why should hibiscus be pruned?

The most important reason for regular pruning is plant health. In addition, there are growth habit and flowering. In addition, a heavier cut paves the way for young fresh shoots, because the flowers finally form on this year's wood. However, radical interventions should not be the rule, but the exception. One cut per year is usually sufficient.

Are there differences between garden and indoor hibiscus when it comes to cutting time?

The main difference is that indoor hibiscus can usually be trimmed all year round, since neither cold nor frost are a problem here. Specimens that have been outside throughout the summer must of course move back into the house early, i.e. in early autumn.

What are the right tools for the cut?

Normal pruning shears (bypass or anvil shears) are sufficient for smaller branches up to a thickness of approx. two centimetres. The bypass shears are suitable for soft and the anvil shears for dry and hard wood. Pruning shears are ideal for branches up to four centimeters and a Japanese or folding saw for even thicker ones. No matter which of these tools you use, they should always be sharp enough to avoid damaging the wood.

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Garden plants