Growing & Maintenance Tips for Hibiscus hybrid Summerific® Ballet Slippers

erennial Hibiscus should be cut back to 4-6" from the ground in the spring. Since this plant doesn't leaf out until late, any time in spring before the new growth appears is fine. The stems are quite woody, so a saw or strong pair of loppers is necessary to cut through the thick stems.

If you want to get really bushy and full Hibiscus plants, when the shoots start to come out of the ground and are about 6-10 inches tall, pinch them in half. The pinch should be made just above a set of leaves, this will improve branching. Improved branching will yield more flowers. If you are really dedicated, you can pinch them back 2 or 3 times before the 4th of July. Each time you pinch, take no more than half of the stem and pinch just above a set of leaves.

You will get fuller plants doing multiple pinches. It is also perfectly acceptable not to pinch at all. The plant will have fewer branches, but it will perform perfectly well.