Also known as shrub althea, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriana) offers colorful pink, purple or white blooms every summer. Control the plant size -- trees can grow 6 to 10 feet tall -- through pruning, and prune once each year. Does this Spark an idea?
Time Frame
Since Rose of Sharon blooms on new growth, the ideal time to prune this tree without sacrificing blooms is after it flowers. This means you'll be pruning in the fall and not spring.
Significance
Trees pruned earlier bear fewer flowers -- since you removed the buds -- but the blossoms are larger. If you want size, not number, go for spring pruning. Trees pruned after they bloom have full bloom coverage and standard-sized flowers.
Considerations
No matter when you want to prune your tree, pay attention to the Rose of Sharon throughout the year. If the tree gets diseased or damaged -- for example, a limb breaks in a storm -- removing the diseased or damaged wood is your best bet for keeping the overall tree healthy.
