Read this informative guide on Pruning Rose of Sharon to make it bloom profusely and in good shape for a long time to come!
Pruning Rose of Sharon is an essential process to keep the plant in shape and to also ensure it blooms in the right manner. Here are the best tips and tricks you can use to increase the number of its flowers.
Learn how to keep hibiscus blooming easily here
For Stimulating Growth
1. Start Pruning in Early Spring
The best time for Pruning Rose of Sharon is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning during this time allows you to see the shape of the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as control the size and shape of the shrub.
Late winter or early spring pruning helps to stimulate new growth and promote vigorous flowering later in the season. Pruning during this time also minimizes the risk of damage from cold weather, since the plant will have time to recover before the next growing season.
2. Take Off Damaged or Dead Parts
When Pruning Rose of Sharon, start by removing any dead or damaged branches, which can be easily identified by their lack of leaves or brittle appearance.
This will ensure that the plant diverts all its energy into blooming and keeping the good branches healthy.
3. Remove Criss-Cross Branches
Remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Also, cut away tangled stems close to the outer part of the plant.
By discarding criss-cross branches, you improve the air circulation that keeps away pests and diseases.
4. Trim the Shrub Back to Two Third of its Total Size
If the shrub has become too large, cut back one-third of the old wood to the ground. This will stimulate new growth and help control the size of the shrub. Be sure to cut back to a healthy outward-facing bud, as this will encourage new growth in the right direction.
When cutting back long branches, make sure to cut back to a bud or branch that is facing outward, as this will help the shrub grow into a more compact shape.
Use sharp pruning tools, such as bypass pruners or loppers, to make clean cuts, and dispose of pruned material away from the shrub to prevent the spread of disease.
Removing Suckers from Rose of Sharon
These plants can produce suckers, which are shoots that grow from the base of the plant or from its roots. If left unattended, these suckers can take over and compete with the main plant for nutrients and water. Here’s how to remove suckers from a Rose of Sharon plant while pruning:
- Identify the Suckers: Suckers are typically small shoots that grow close to the base of the plant or from the roots. They may have different leaves than the main plant or be a different color.
- Trace the Sucker Back to the Source: Follow the sucker back to its origin, which is usually the root system. Use a shovel or garden fork to dig around the sucker and trace it back to the main plant.
- Cut the Sucker: Once you have traced the sucker back to its source, use sharp pruning shears or a pruning saw to cut it off as close to the root system as possible. Be careful not to damage the main plant or any other nearby roots.
- Monitor the Plant: After removing the sucker, monitor the plant for any new growth or additional suckers. If you notice new suckers, repeat the process of tracing them back to their source and removing them.
- Dispose of the Suckers: Dispose of the removed suckers away from the plant to prevent them from rooting and growing into new plants.
Pruning Rose of Sharon To Control the Size of the Shrub
1. Take off Developing Seed Pods
Look for developing seed pods on the branches of the plant. These will be small, green, and oval-shaped.
Removing developing seed pods while Pruning Rose of Sharon helps to redirect the plant’s energy toward producing new growth and flowers, which can result in a healthier and more vibrant plant. It also prevents the plant from self-seeding and spreading to unwanted areas in the garden.
2. Trim the Top Section
This plant has a habit of expanding upwards instead of outwards. You can resolve this by concentrating on the branches that extend well on the upper part. Cut the plant in a shallow ‘V’ shape or round form to keep it more manageable if you are short on space.
