i would not prune a shrub until the second or third year ...

and i never understand this idea.. that if you cut it down.. it will force it to get taller ...

though there might not have been transplant shock ... i doubt you can say.. that a shrub is FULLY ESTABLISHED inside of a couple months ... that it has a mature root mass ....

when it get established.. it should start getting taller... and that might not be until next season ...

ken

it will be a dieback plant in your zone if we are talking about the same plant malvaviscus. they regrow from the roots here in zone 8 but are you sure it will survive your winters outdoors in 6b? the only plant that i have seen being cultivated (primarily neglected by the owner) was an open, floppy shape of plant growing in my area. this was in a lot of sun, too. it looks like the type of plant that i would put at the back and front with something with better structure or by lower growing summer annuals/perennials.

I probably didn't word that right... I just meant that it transplanted easily.

Jeff, yes were talking about the same plant. I just edited my zone... someone on the boards recently informed me that I'm actually in zone 7a. I think it will still die back every year. Plan on putting some hydrangeas near by.

I will also point out, that it isn't a true hibiscus, the flowers just resemble hibiscus. If you really like hibiscus (I do!) look into growing hibiscus moscheutos (die-back perennial, dinner-plate sized flowers) and rose of sharon (large shrub or small multi-trunked tree, can be grown with a single trunk). If it were me, I would be pairing something like 'Gold Mound' spirea to contrast with the red flowers and green foliage.

Yes, it will die back each year...but seems to be dependable here in 7a.

I wouldn't try to do anything with a turkcap since it is herbaceous here. It's not worth your time, unless you place no value on time. You'll also delay it's yearly flowering which would be a shame. It's greatest strength is perpetual flowering once it starts each season.

Just site it properly and enjoy it for what it is.

I've grown it in three different houses and whether genetics/luck or what, found the most pleasing shape in an area where it had morning and late afternoon shade, but midday full sun. Upright and tight there, but even in a south facing open exposure otherwise, it tries to become a trailer sometimes.