Q: What is the best month in the Tucson/Marana area to trim back hibiscus and bougainvillea plants? Also, I need to cut back and trim greasewood so what is the best month for that shrub?
A: Hibiscus species should be pruned in late winter to promote growth in the spring because it blooms from buds produced in the same season. Bougainvillea species can be pruned once the danger of frost has past, usually mid-March. During the growing season, vigorous shoots can be pruned as needed. Greasewood, aka creosote (Larrea tridentata), doesn’t require any pruning except to control the size and that can be done any time.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
