How Do I Prune An Hibiscus Tree?

There are two kinds of Hisbiscus:  Hardy and Tropical.  You can tell the difference by the Hardy having dull medium-green leaves that are heart-shaped and these have huge flowers.  The Tropical have glossy dark green leaves with a smaller flower (saucer size) in red, pink, orange, yellow.

The Hardy Hisbiscus is a perennial and dies back to the ground every year, coming back in the Spring.  Frost does not affect the Hardy Hisbiscus unless very severe.

You probably have the Tropical.  Always prune in the early spring and never late fall or winter.  Hisbiscus plants are pruned much like Roses.  The flowers bloom on new wood.  You should prune in early Spring by removing crossing branches, dead, injured, diseased and any branches growing toward the center of the plant. These branches should be pruned down to the bottom of the branch.  Take the whole thing out.  
To prune for decorative purpose or to shorten a branch, make the cut about 1/4 inch above an eye that is pointing in the direction you want the branch to grow.  After pruning you should apply fertilizer and water.

If an older hisbiscus you can prune 1/3 of the older wood in early spring.  Remember, the new wood produces the flowers.

Throughout the growing season you can pinch the branch tips to encourage more flowers.

Stop pruning in the fall so you do not encourage new growth during the upcoming frost time.  Many people take their hisbiscus indoors for the winter if possible.  Still, wait until Spring to prune.