This is a very sorry tropical hibiscus plant that the deer munched on all summer, I was going to toss it out but decided to try and revitalize it for this project.
This photo shows the damage the deer did, the plant never bloomed this year, because the deer ate the ends off all the branches repeatedly.
STEP ONE:
Make sure your pruners are clean and sterilized. Take a long look at the plant and decided where to cut. Hibiscus form buds on the ends of each new branch, so the more branches the more flowers.
You will want to make all your cuts ¼ inch above an outward facing bud/node.
There are two outward pointing nodes above.
STEP TWO:
Cut all the branches back by at least one third.
These three branches have all been cut back, you will notice that each branch has several node clusters, this is typical of hibiscus and should result in several new branches.
All cuts were made at an angle so that water would run off them.
This is the plant after cutting every branch back by one third.
At this point you will want to put it into a new pot with fresh soil.
Water it well and find it a sunny spot indoors for the winter.
Step 3:
Be sure not to waste all those cuttings!!!!
Remove the lower leaves and all but a couple of leaves from the top,
then stick them in a pot together and cover with a baggie.
If you have some rooting hormone you can dip the ends in it, but it isn’t necessary.
I have a potted Hibiscus we live in N. Texas do I have to bring it in during the colder month? I now have a green house what temperature di they need?
Marion,
Depending on the variety but I’d say any temp above freezing but cooler than 45 degrees F. would be best.
Is it safe for the flower bud to have the leaves over it trimmed when they turn brown? Or is it recommended to trim off the whole bud to start a healthier regrowth?
Not sure I understand the question, but pruning is always a good thing, removing spent flowers and seed pods is a good thing.
I have a hybiscus plant had it 2 years blooms wonderfully, but insects eat the leaves of the plant need to know what they are and how to get rid of them.
Dianne,
Try something simple like insecticidal soap or Neem oil.
Can I transplant my Lady Baltimore Hibiscus in the Spring before growth has started?
Mary,
Yes, as long as you do so before it starts forming leaves.
Thank you so much for all the time and energy you put into making your videos and sharing your wealth of knowledge. It is greatly appreciated
You’re welcome.
In almost our 70s and renting a home, I inherited a front yard w 90% weeds. Can’t till because of our age, no youngsters we know around, and can’t do newspaper strategy, just spraying preemergent the only alternative? Have put auto watering in place for every other day to hopefully make the grass grow together and to make matters worse, under a very large magnolia tree. Have put shade grass plugs in as well. Should I throw grass seed onto St. Augustin grass strips? I’ve containerized all my ornamentals. Just turn a blind eye and just “decorate” my yard w pots and make pretty berms w statuary etc?
Wanda,
If you can’t do newspaper then mulch you can do just mulch. Mulch goes a long way toward controlling weeds.
I cut my hibiscus to the ground in late fall. Akkkkkk, did I kill them???
Terry, more than likely not. They should come back strong.