i live in Palm Springs so its very hot, my potted hibiscus are leggy and turning yellow and dropping leaves..Still have new growth

Question

Should I Trim them a bit to allow the new growth on the bottom to form? They have become very tall. not sure what type of hibiscus they are..but when they bloom they have beautiful red flowers

Answer 1

No, trimming them now can lead to their death very fast. You will have to correct the issue before you prune them. If you only prune them without treating then they will grow back with the same problem. You will want to prune these, either in Spring or Late Fall after it cools.

Now, most common reasons for the symptoms you are seeing are heat without humidity, low soil nutrients (they are heavy feeders and need to be fed once per month or more to be happy.), and lack of light.

There are a few other causes too, but to get to those you will need to rule out the above first.

These articles will offer more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/answers-to-what-causes-hibiscus-leaves-turning-yellow.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/how-to-care-for-hibiscus-plants.htm