Hibiscus

 (December 2011)

I have two hibiscus plants in pots that I have brought in to the house for the winter. When should I prune these? How much should they be pruned and should I fertilize them?

I would suggest pruning them back by at least half in late February through mid March. You could also wait until you move them back outside, but then the recovery could be a bit slower. Usually by late February, the day length is getting longer and the plants have gotten used to indoor conditions, and they begin to put on new growth. A light application of fertilizer can be put on when you see the new growth. Wait until April to move them outdoors, and then fertilize every two weeks or so. They bloom on new growth, so you need to encourage that by repotting, fertilizing and cutting off old wood.

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