Expert: Edward Gulliksen - 7/24/2007

Question
I have beautiful green mature orleanders and hibiscus in my Florida yard, but annually there is a shortage of blooming flowers on them, especially with the orleanders, not nearly so with the hibiscus, though lots of the hibiscus buds fall off before fully blooming.  What is lacking?

Answer
Ed,

When or are you pruning the plants? If you are pruning them in the spring, then you are removing the buds. Both of these plants flower on new growth, so I think that the timing of your pruning could be the reason. Prune either early in the season or in the fall to maintain the height of the plants.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen