Comments on: Pruning a rose of Sharon: When to shear seed pods and when to cut it back

By: Tara Nolan

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:02:37 +0000

In reply to John.

Hi John, You could try staking them and gently tying the trunk at various points, with the hope that eventually they can stand on their own. You could also try trimming off some of the weight, depending on how many branches there are.

]]>

By: John

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:32:54 +0000

I planted 3 Rose of Sharon shrubs 3 years ago. I wrapped chicken wire around them to keep the deer from feasting on them. The shrubs grew to a height over the 6 foot chicken wire. I removed the wire and the plant flopped over on itself. I think the roots didn’t develop enough because the wire was propping them up. Wondering what to do to remedy the situation

]]>

By: Tara Nolan

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:32:55 +0000

In reply to Gretchen Whitman.

Hi Gretchen, Absolutely! You can probably pull them out at any time in the spring. I find them to be pretty hardy.

]]>

By: Gretchen Whitman

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:43:37 +0000

Can you plant seedlings to form new trees? If so, when is best time and do they need extra care?

My mother once planted a branch in muddy soil after a storm. I had told her to throw it away in the woods. But she
was resolute. I now have a gorgeous rose of sharon tree
that is her tree and blooms outside my kitchen window every year.
Thanks for your helpful info.

]]>

By: Phyllis Dennis

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 22:37:03 +0000

Can I cut off new growth as they are growing to tall. Flowers have not bloomed yet as it is early July in Ohio. I wanted a small bush for my front yard near my porch and it is getting so tall.

]]>

By: Tara Nolan

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:52:19 +0000

In reply to Barbara.

Hi Barbara, You can prune while the plant is still dormant or in the spring before the buds form.

]]>

By: Barbara

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:22:19 +0000

I have a ROS that has been neglected and is tall…. Maybe six feet. I’d like to cut it back to more of a bush hence more blooms. Can I drastically cut it in January. It’s been there several years.

]]>

By: Connie

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 20:53:30 +0000

In reply to Tara Joy.

Cambridge Ontario. I cut the seed pods off every fall and trim down my five beautiful 10′ Rose of Sharon’s to manage the long branches and size.

]]>

By: Kathleen

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:56:54 +0000

I don’t prune mine in the fall because all winter the birds come and eat the seeds that haven’t fallen. I have to figure out a way to catch the seeds to keep them from germinating but I’d rather deal with hundreds of sprouts than deprive the birds!

]]>

By: Tara Nolan

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:41:16 +0000

In reply to Julie.

I hope your rose of Sharon eventually came back! They are notoriously slow to leaf out in spring. Green wood is a good sign.

]]>