I have three full grown Rose of Sharon Althea trees, well over 10 feet tall. They have had numerous blooms every year since they were planted. This year they have grown too tall and scraggly and are putting out smaller blooms. I have never trimmed these trees except for some excess low branches. It is now the end of July, temps are in the 90's every day. Can I prune these trees, as in cut them back a third of their growth now or, really, should I wait until the Fall to do so?
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K-State Research & Extension presents Frequently Asked Questions
Althea (Rose of Sharon) blooms on new wood (current season growth), so the best time to prune is in the early spring. If you prune now, you will lose any flowers, and reduce the amount of foliage available for photosynthesis. Rose of Sharon can be pruned hard in the spring, cutting it back to ground level. By rejuvenating the plant in this way, the size of the flowers should increase. Here is the link to the K-State guidelines for pruning: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/c550.pdf.
Carole
JOCO EMG