When should you cut back hibiscus?

Most hibiscus plants should be pruned during the early spring, although in some areas, light pruning is recommended in late summer or early autumn. Hibiscus plants should never be pruned in late autumn or winter. Tip-pruning that encourages bushy growth can occur throughout the entire growing season.

Cut hibiscus plants around one-third of the way back, making sure to leave around two to three nodes on the plant's branches to allow for emergence of new growth. Make the cuts just above the nodes, and remove any dead, diseased or weak growth or crossing branches. Remove any branches that grow toward the center of the plant during the pruning process.