Cutting back Hibiscus?

I have a plant that looks really bad. I want to cut the plant way back so it will fill out more. Can I cut it back and is now a good time? Thanks

Hello Smokey,

Is it a tropical or hardy?

Pizonne, I don't know that. My DS dug it up and gave it to me. It has had 2 hard years and only has 3 long stems. I can take a pic if that will help.

If it has been living outside for two years I'd say it is likely a hardy. The tropicals need winter protection here in my part of the state and we are lots warmer down here than in Piedmont.

I cut my hardies back last week so you should be fine.

Hey Ardesia, thanks. My plant is three to four feet tall with only three stems. How far down should I cut it? Smokey

Hi Smokey,
Alice is probably right. If its a hardy the stems are probably dead with no green when you scratch the wood. Maybe dry and brittle. I would say cut them back to the base if their is no life in them. This is what I do with my hardies and they always come back especially the texas stars I have. The new growth is already 16" on some of them. If you can, shoot a pic and post it. Just to be on the safe side.

Robert