Time Frame

• Early spring is the best time to prune a hibiscus bush. Remove old, dead and unbalanced branches from the shrub to keep its appearance up, promote new growth and prevent diseases from affecting the hibiscus during the growing season. Remove branches close to the main stem or the nearest adjoining branch to encourage new growth to emerge on the hibiscus shrub. Prune the hibiscus shrub before it has begun producing leaves in the spring.
  
  

Disease

• Fungal and bacterial diseases that affect hibiscus shrubs cause branches to become weak and turn the leaves brown or black. As infection spreads, the hibiscus becomes a spore spot, releasing fungal spores to other parts of the garden; shrubs left untreated eventually die. Fungicides and anti-bacterial sprays are necessary additions to pruning. Cut off severely affected branches close to the trunk of the shrub to prevent them from spreading diseases to the rest of the garden.
  
  

Damage

• Winter damage or damage from weather, falling trees or other factors can make the hibiscus bush weak and unattractive. Branches that have been snapped or broken by physical damage will die and begin to rot on the shrub. Dead branches attract harmful fungi and pest insects that can lead to further weakening of the bush. Remove damaged branches regardless of the season to protect the shrub from further harm and keep it healthy and attractive.
  
  

Considerations

• Use sharp pruning shears when cutting a hibiscus shrub. Sanitize the shears between branches with wood alcohol or another organic cleaning product to kill off any diseases or fungi that can be spread to other parts of the tree; this is especially important when pruning a diseased hibiscus plant. Remove the cut branches from the garden to prevent them from decaying and drawing pest insects and fungi to the hibiscus plant.