[hole19sd]

Our current landscape company uses a hedge trimmer to prune everything, as a result our flowering plants never flower because they prune all the blossoms off. They all look like large shaped bushes. Need someone who knows how to prune Hibiscus and other flowering plants.

[rdhdleo]

Rupert Cross but he is hard to get to very busy, our plants have never done better since and his crew have taken care of them
Cell : 352-406-8814 / 407-718-9634
Home: 352-207-4847

[gomoho]

It's more a case of when you prune flowering shrubs as to how you prune them. They set their buds at certain times of the year and if your timing is off you'll prevent them from flowering.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by hole19sd

Our current landscape company uses a hedge trimmer to prune everything, as a result our flowering plants never flower because they prune all the blossoms off. They all look like large shaped bushes. Need someone who knows how to prune Hibiscus and other flowering plants.

*******

All plants and shrubs cannot be trimmed the same way. What you are speaking about are really two different things.

For example, many shrubs should be trimmed right after they flower (such as azaleas). Another example: Ixoras should never be trimmed with a hedger because that ruins their look and you will almost never see the flowers. They need to be what is called "selectively pruned" so they maintain a natural look which also promotes the flowers. This means that each individual shoot is pruned by itself (one at a time). When one shoot gets too tall, it should be cut down towards the base (or close to it) of the plant. This keeps it bushy and you will always have flowers because you aren't shearing them off.

If your garden person won't do this (you are the one who is paying them to do the job) -- get someone else.

I know that Earthscapes has a maintenance crew. You might want to give them a call and speak with them. 352-748-0351

Good luck!

[Uptown Girl]

Originally Posted by hole19sd

Our current landscape company uses a hedge trimmer to prune everything, as a result our flowering plants never flower because they prune all the blossoms off. They all look like large shaped bushes. Need someone who knows how to prune Hibiscus and other flowering plants.

As you may know, most landscape maintenance company employees are not 'gardeners'. They will follow your direction though, if you are there to guide them when they arrive…. or if you leave a tag on a specimen saying, "Do not cut". (even if they don't speak english, they will get the drift.)

This won't get you the selective pruning you desire (for the health and beauty of your plants) but at least will stop inappropriate shearing until you can find someone to do it properly.

If the plants are something you can handle, there are many (easy) how-to-prune/when to prune videos online for DYI gardeners… you may even enjoy the experience!

Just a note: I previously lived in the Midwest and found that some of the plants I was familiar with are pruned differently down here because they never really go dormant. Knockout roses, for example, get very 'leggy' and although they will still bloom, they look pretty straggly if they are not sheared back hard once in a while.
As far as Hibiscus go, some types (like the tropical ones) have a chance to hold up better if they are sheared back for the cold weather. (and maybe even mulched a bit) There are deciduous ones too… which are hardier and can be selectively pruned or left alone.

This may be way more info than you are interested in knowing- just thought it might be helpful.