Training Spreading Rose of Sharon: Tying Before Pruning

Alternative to Pruning for Upright Growth

An Illinois gardener has a 2-year-old white rose of sharon spreading horizontally instead of growing upright like red varieties.

Train First, Prune If Needed

Ed Gulliksen recommends tying limbs upward to train growth habit before resorting to pruning. If pruning desired: no wrong time—rose of sharon blooms on new wood, so no flower bud loss risk.