Should I Prune the Dead Wood Away?

[GardenGeisha]

I have a lavender chiffon hibiscus and some Russian Sage Plants that have leafed out on the lower portions of their stalks, but there is a lot of dead appearing wood above the leaves. Do you think they could still leaf out fully above, or should I cut off that dead appearing wood to encourage new growth of new stems? Or would I be cutting off buds, and should I wait a bit longer to see whether they will leaf out more? My other lavender chiffon hibiscus is fully leafed out with no deadish looking wood. It is bigger, though, and it does leaf out earlier than the other. Last year the smaller one leafed out fully, but I think it did so a lot sooner than this. If I don't cut off the dead wood on the hibiscus, could it stunt the plant's growth (assuming the wood is truly dead above the leaves)?

Gracia

 

[dewdropsinwv]

It probably would not hurt to cut back the dead from last season.

 

[GardenGeisha]

I guess I'm not sure whether it's actually dead wood, or just slow to leaf out?

 

[dewdropsinwv]

can you post pictures? I'm thinking it's old dead growth from last year. Any new growth will be near the bottom of the plant.

 

[Ridgerunner]

A little patience won't hurt but I'd cut one and see if it were dead or alive and go from there. Cutting just one stalk to see if it is green or brown should not be a problem.

 

[GardenGeisha]

Thank you. I will try to post a picture tomorrow. Thanks for asking. I will try your tip, too, Ridgerunner.

 

[GardenGeisha]

 

[GardenGeisha]

The above pic is of the sickly looking hibiscus. This pic is of the healthier one:

 

[dewdropsinwv]

I would trim the "dead "wood away. It will help with new growth.... and look healthier

 

[catjac1975]

You can always cut away dead wood on any plant. It is good for the plant and improves the appearance.