How to Prune Rose of Sharon Trees

Rose-of-Sharon (sometimes also called althea) is a blooming hibiscus shrub that grows six to ten feet tall. It is deciduous, with dark, shiny leaves and contrasting blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white. Rose-of-Sharon is an easy care plant, and requires very little of gardeners. In fact, Rose-of-Sharon need never be pruned. However, if your Rose-of-Sharon is too large for the space you've given it, or you wish to prune it into a tree shape, you may. Rose-of-Sharon is hardy and will take almost any pruning treatment you give it. Still, to get the best blooms from the plant, a little extra care is a good idea. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose your time carefully. Many gardeners prefer to prune in the early spring, before buds appear. This encourages new growth and should not hinder flowers for the coming season. (Buds will form on the new growth.) Alternatively, you may prune the plant any time it needs it, but you will probably see fewer (or no) blooms that year.

2

Determine how long you want the branches of the plant to be, bearing in mind that Rose-of-Sharon grows rapidly.

3

Find a spot on a limb, just above a leaf. Cut at this spot, using clean hand pruners or loppers. To keep the plant looking natural, prune the branches to varying lengths.

4

Use hedge shears or loppers if you wish to perform a more serious pruning. You can cut Rose-of-Sharon back to two feet tall without injuring the plant.

5

Study the plant carefully before pruning Rose-of-Sharon into a tree shape. Look for the the straightest stem or trunk on the plant and keep that trunk only.

6

Remove all the remaining stems or trunks from the plant, using a saw. To help prevent the plant from developing an infection, seal the cuts with a product designed for this purpose. You can find products like this at a garden center.

7

Keep pruning off new growth in the spring, in order to maintain the plant's tree-like shape.