How to Trim a Luna Hibiscus

The Luna series of hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) cultivars includes one plant that produces red flowers and another one that has white blossoms with pink edges. Luna hibiscuses are also dwarf shrubs reaching a maximum of 3 feet in height. As a hardy hibiscus, this plant is a perennial deciduous commonly known as rose mallow. The bush dies to the ground in winter, but it returns in the spring. This period of dormancy is a good season to trim your Luna.

Things You'll Need

• Shears
• Bleach
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Sterilize your shears by soaking them for 20 minutes in a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water.

2. Trim the Luna by one-third after its flowers fade, to induce more blooming. Make your pruning cuts ¼ inch above a bud at a 45-degree angle.

3. Prune the hibiscus shrub after the stems freeze to the ground in the winter. Cut them back to soil level.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Warm Climate Production Guidelines for Hardy Hibiscus; Dr. Rick Schoellhorn et al.; 2009
• East Texas Gardening; Hardy Hibiscus; Janice Suggs
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Hibiscus; Karen Russ; September 2007
• "Sunset Western Garden Book"; Kathleen Norris Brenzel; 2001