The hardy hibiscus or Rose of Sharon should be pruned if necessary in the spring when you see signs of new foliage. Do not prune in the fall. During the summer you can also removed anything damaged, dead or diseased. Good drainage, at least half a day of sun and if needed one application of a slow release plant food like Osmocote in mid spring. Just remember that this shrub loses it's foliage early in the fall and the leaves grow back late in the spring...so I use a clematis to grow up my tall rose of Sharon to give it some spring color. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti