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In order to let the hibiscus shine in full bloom again after a radical pruning, a few tips must be observed during implementation. Detailed instructions with notes therefore follow below.
In a nutshell
- Radical pruning makes sense for both healthy and diseased plants
- Can be split over several years to reduce stress
- Correct cutting technique facilitates wound healing and reduces the risk of infection
- ideally in early spring
- use clean and sharp tool for trimming
Reasons for the cut
The range of possible reasons for the radical cutting of the hibiscus is diverse. The most common reasons in practice are:
- poor growth in height and width of the plant
- uneven growth
- strong bare interior
- low bud and flower development
- disease or pest infestation
Notice: Since the hibiscus only develops its flowers on the new shoots, the balding from the inside out is a natural process that can be remedied with radical pruning.
cut tolerance
In general, the hibiscus is one of the plants that tolerate pruning, so that even radical pruning can be easily tolerated by healthy plants. In particular, diseased or already weakened bushes usually acknowledge the radical cut with the shrinkage. For these specimens in particular, it is therefore advisable to split the radical pruning over several points in time. Here, the plant is pruned only selectively every year in order to keep the burden lower.
Note: Extensive pruning means a high level of stress, even for pruning-tolerant plants. In the aftermath, it is therefore necessary to care for the hibiscus in the best possible and species-appropriate manner.
manual
- if necessary: create a template for a compact and even shape
- especially cut off thin branches directly at the trunk
- Also cut away dead and diseased branches on the trunk
- shorten individual shoots by up to two thirds of their length
- Avoid overlapping or crossing of branches
- Also cut back the height of the main trunk
Tip: To prevent the accumulation of moisture and pathogens, the cut surface should be cut diagonally downwards.
time
The ideal time to cut back the hibiscus is early spring before new growth. The growth phase usually begins between mid-February and mid-March, so the work should be completed by then. However, the selected date should be outside the frost period to avoid frost damage to the interfaces. For optimal wound healing, the other weather conditions should be as follows:
- no direct sunlight
- Also avoid rainy days
- windless as possible
In principle, it is also possible to cut back the hibiscus in autumn. However, this is not recommended due to the slower wound healing and the associated increased risk of infection.
Note: Please also note the applicable provisions of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, which prohibit radical pruning between March 1st and September 30th of each year to protect nesting and breeding animals.
cutting tool
Choosing the right pruning tool is essential for a straight cut and rapid healing of the hibiscus cut. Irrespective of the tool itself, it is therefore necessary for it to be sharpened and cleaned or sterilized before starting work. Fungal spores in particular are transferred from one plant to the next using contaminated blades. Best practices for disinfection are:
- flaming by fire
- soak in a mixture of water and alcohol (ratio 1:7)
- using a chemical disinfectant
Depending on the thickness of the individual branches, you may need pruning shears or pruning shears. Electronic cutting tools should be avoided if possible. Due to the constant movement of the blade, the wounds fray significantly more, which leads to more difficult wound healing.
frequently asked Questions
How can wound closure be supported after a radical pruning?Despite the selection of the right cutting tool and the ideal time for the pruning, it may still be necessary to additionally support the wound healing of the plant. For this purpose, the application of charcoal powder, ground cinnamon and zinc have proven themselves in practice. On the one hand, these disinfect the wound site and, on the other hand, place a thin protective film over the capillary.
How can already dead branches be recognized before they sprout in spring?In order to select the right branches for pruning, it is necessary to recognize which of them have already died. For this it is necessary to scrape off the upper bark layer slightly with a knife. If the underlying layer is a lush green tint, the shoot is still active. However, if the coloring is brownish or greyish, the branch has already died and can be cut back at the base of the trunk.
What happens to the hibiscus if it is cut irregularly or not at all?Due to the lack of pruning, the plant will expand both in height and width with otherwise good care and an appropriate location. Due to the formation of the flowers on the one-year-old wood, however, the perennial inner branches are becoming more and more bare. In connection with an uneven growth, the optical appearance is rather unattractive. The ever longer branches also lead to an increased risk of breaks and injuries on the bush and an increased susceptibility to diseases and pests.