Prune hibiscus in late winter or early spring

Use clean, sharp pruning shears

Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first

Cut back leggy stems to just above a leaf node

Trim crossing or inward-growing branches

Reduce the plant by about one-third if needed

Make cuts at a slight angle just above outward-facing buds

Pinch back new growth during the growing season to encourage bushiness

Remove spent flowers regularly

Avoid cutting too much at once

Dispose of pruned material properly