I spent much of last Saturday cleaning up the front yard, making plans to hang Christmas lights in another week or two. I had someone stop and ask me about my cutting back the Purple Showers ruellia along the sidewalk. It has taken over about half the sidewalk. I explained that this plant can take shearing back most any time of year and that by cutting it now, it has time to regrow some and be nice for the holidays. Most all plants can be trimmed to shape right now. Roses and most winter hardy shrubs can take a harder prune but no more than a ¼ of the plants’ size. Plants that are sensitive to cold, like ixora, hibiscus and bougainvilleas should not be pruned hard. They need their foliage to help stay warm. Plus new growth that appears after trimming is more sensitive to cold damage. If you’re not sure to prune or not to prune, check with us…we are always here to help!
-Debbie
james says
Sue, you will always have old leaves browning, and hope you have new leaves coming on to take over. Periodically remove those old browning leaves, and the old blooms, to keep the plant looking nice. We got enough rain this year that I doubt that a lack of water is the cause of no blooms. Bird of paradise (along with bougainvillea) can be very individualistic and stubborn, and mostly will bloom when and if they feel like it. I have pushed a stubborn bird of paradise into bloom with an application of superphosphate, but this is risky, too much phosphorus can be worse than not enough. Never apply it twice in one location, and never over-apply.
Emily says
can i prune my ruellia now? Summertime?
Jesse says
Hi Emily – you can prune it a little to shape, but not severe. If you prune too much in the summer, the ground around the plant will get too hot. You can prune more in the fall, then prune heavily in early spring.
james gill says
February 1st and September 15 are best times to prune ruellia, but it will tolerate a little pruning anytime.