Pruning before or after move - NJ to TN

[btcountess]

I have a plant that I keep inside. She is very leggy but has blooms currently and more buds. I will be moving from NJ to TN and have to move her from our house to my daughters for two weeks and then a two day car trip the middle of March. Suggestions please.

[blupit007]

If I may add my opinion, and I am new at this too, but I find hibiscus react to changes in there conditions... ie: change from one room to another in the house one being cooler then the other,  and one having more direct light then the other.  I think that it will have enough stress to deal with the move let alone a pruning... I don't know, but I think I would prune it after the move, maybe give it a couple weeks in its final environment to let it settle in before I make the prune.  Then I would prune and stick the cuttings in some soil to see if any root!  I may totally be wrong with this one.  Good luck with the move.

[blupit007]

By the way, which CV are you talking about?

[Charlie]

Kristen is proposing the cautious approach which does result in fewer disappointments. If plant survival is the most important consideration then wait for arrival at the new home and better weather before pruning.

A more aggressive approach that is still pretty safe is to prune the tallest stem or stems but leave a shorter stem that has lots of leaves untouched. That shorter stem will provide the energy the hibiscus needs while the pruned stems start to regrow. Pruning is good for hibiscus but should be done gradually a few stems at a time rather than cutting every stem at the same time. Also, look over our instructions on pruning on the HVH web site for details of how to prune. That page is http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/care/pruning.htm

Good luck!

Charlie

[blupit007]

OOPS!  I just pruned my only 3 stalks of Cajun Blue last week, cut them way back.  And I pruned the 2 tallest on Saffron a couple weeks ago.  But Saffron had about 4 shorter ones, so she is probably ok...

[Charlie]

It should be OK, Kristen. Usually hibiscus grow back after pruning, even a hard pruning, without any problems. But, the few times I've seen a problem have been after cutting all the stems. If you see any new growth on the heavily pruned plant then it will probably make it.

Charlie

[btcountess]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'm so attached to this plant, "Biskie" - she has survived two moves and many changes and I'm really worried about this one. My daughter has no great space for her and we have to be here till the 17th and then we will be in the car for two days and one hotel. I was hoping pruning would put her in suspended time till she gets to her final home! Sounds like just one more change and stress! Fingers crossed - - -