Pruning Hibiscus

I have two plants in my beds. I purchased them at home depot, I think. Anyway, they are tall, but really skinny looking. Can I cut them back and have them become more bushy or is that a no-no? If so, is there a certain way I need to do it. Also, has anyone ever have their dog go insane for the brand new leaves on a hibiscus? I almost have to beat her off with a stick.

Thanks,
Sheila

S, yes, ok to prune to achieve bushiness but some varieties are naturally more compact than others. do you know what yours is? I notice that a lot of growers usually include comments about how bushy or not in their descriptions.

yes to insane dogs, but no to tender hib. leaves, lol

Sheila,
. I just cut my hibiscus today. It was getting out of control , and it was tall and very bushy. What color is yours?
Patti

Okay, so how do I cut them? Do I just cut off the branches or is there some special way I should do this? Mine are hot pink (and very unhappy right now from the cold weather).

Thanks,
Sheila

Sheila, I've been waiting for someone to answer you but no takers yet. So here goes.
I have to grow them in pots because it's way too cold up here. I like the 'Standard' or lollipop shape, one trunk with branching near the top. It sounds like you want a more bushy look.
Take a look at the stem where the leaf is attached. There is a little node there. That is where the next branch will start if forced. That branch will grow out in the same direction as it's aiming at now.
The more you cut off the stem the stronger that new branch will grow and you may get 1 or 2 branches below that to sprout, too. I've cut 3 foot sections off and had 3 new side branches grow out.
You must first decide how tall you want the plant to be and cut it back at least a foot shorter, just above a leaf node that is aimed in a good direction.
They only set flower buds at the tip of the branches, so the more branches the more potential for flowers.
If you want a hedge, take all the trimmings and root 6 inch pieces in sandy soil then plant them in a row about a foot apart.
Pruning Hibiscus was a slow learning experience for me. There was no DG at the time, LOL.
I prune mine in Spring about the time the plant goes out for the summer, it's also a good time to make cuttings.
Good luck.
Here is a pic of one of mine from last Fall.
Andy P

sheila, I love standards too but for this particular hibiscus that I have growing in a large pot (a double, Orange Punch, I think) my pruning won't be too scientific. I just plan to give it a roundish look and cut the branches that stick out and any puny looking ones.

If I were training as a standard, I would do as sarahskeeper says.

Gosh, and I just chop mine in half every year after the last frost, then let them do their thing! They fill out very well, and I only snip a branch or 2 that gets out of line from that point on.