Q.When to cut back Rose of Sharon
I have 2 Rose of Sharon “bushes” that are both well over 10 feet tall. When can I cut them back? Spring or fall? How much can I cut them back by? Thanks for your help.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Rose of Sharon is actually a variety of hardy hibiscus. Therefore, pruning takes place in spring--specifically anytime from late March through early May, before the leaf buds open. Overgrown shrubs can be pruned back to about three feet in height without risk of injury. Then you should perform annual trimming to to keep its appearance maintained, removing any unsightly or overgrown branches only.