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Annuals/Cutting back a hybiscus
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Question
Hi,
I just read your response to Pam about cutting back her hybiscus in January. I have had two hybiscus for several years and I have only cut them back once. Unfortunately, I did not cut them back this year and they are starting to get out of control. Is it possible to cut them back now?
Tammie,
I'm assuming that you have these plants in pots and live in an area of the country where you bring them inside in the winter. If this is not correct, let me know.
If you cut them back now, you'll miss any flowers that may be in bud form...also, the plant will put on growth in response to a heavy pruning just at the time when you want the plant to slow down for the winter. If I were you, I'd leave it now, but in September when you are ready to bring it indoors, trim them back by no more than a quarter of the size. Continue to water through the winter, and in January or February, when the days get longer, start to fertilize and cut them more if you want at that time.
all the best,
C.L.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you so much for your quick and informative response. I'm glad that you mentioned to only cut them back only about 1/4 - I may have done more had you not warned me :) | ||
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Answers by Expert:
C.L. Fornari
Expertise
Annuals suggested for specific situations (sun, shade, windowboxes etc) New or unusual annuals are a particular interest of mine, and I grow many of these from seed. I am happy to help problem solve, answer questions about maintenance, and guide you to sources of unusual plants.
Experience
I am a garden writer/speaker/consultant and host of a weekly gardening radio program in the Northeast. I have been gardening all my life for my own pleasure, and started as a professional gardener and garden communicator 15 years ago. I work part-time at a garden center, selling and tending shrubs/trees/annuals/perennials...and doing some propagation and design work. I often think that all these professional activities serve to put a somewhat legitimate framework around a serious case of plant-lust.
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