When is the best time to cut back my Hibiscus and Knock out Roses?

Answer #2 · Gardenality.com's Answer · If you have perennial hibiscus (the hardy varieties) you can wait to prune these back until spring, right after new growth begins to emerge. At this time, remove all dead parts of the plant. Here in central Georgia, I usually end up cutting my perennial hibiscus back to short stumps as the new shoots emerge from the base of the stump.)

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Peggy-Both the Knock out Roses and the hibiscus should be pruned in early spring before new growth starts to appear. I noted a link below to an article that will help you with the proper pruning of your Knock-Out-Roses. Just click on the link to go directly to the article.

http://www.gardenality.com/Articles/348/How-To-Info/Pruning/How-To-Prune-A-Knock-Out-Rose/default.html

Again the hibiscus should be pruned back in early spring before new growth appears. Pruning back to late in spring may cause less new branching and flower development. I normally cut my hibiscus back 1/3 to 1/2 their size. If they are older plants and have become woody or leggy looking you can rejuvenate them by cutting them back within 8 to 12 inches of the ground. They are fast growing and will recover quickly. When pruning your hibiscus back be sure to cut out any dead, damaged, or weak branches along with any branches that are growing toward the center of the plant. When cutting brances back it is best to cut approximately 1/4 of an inch above a node. This way there won't be any dead branching left above where new growth will emerge from.

Hopefully this has helped. Please ask if you have any other questions.

John)