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5 Common Plants to Prune in October in South Florida

  • Writer: James Rutledge
    James Rutledge
  • Oct 10
  • 2 min read
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Why October is the Perfect Month for Pruning


October marks a seasonal shift in South Florida gardens. The intense summer heat begins to fade, yet the cool winter temperatures haven’t arrived. This transition creates the perfect conditions for clean-up and shaping pruning.


By removing dead or overgrown branches now, you help your plants recover before winter, promote new growth, and keep your landscape looking neat and healthy.



1. Hibiscus


Hibiscus shrub being pruned in a Florida garden
Hibiscus shrubs thrive with a light pruning in October, keeping them vibrant and ready for new blooms.

Why prune: Hibiscus shrubs grow fast through the summer, and pruning in October helps maintain their shape and encourages fresh blooms in the cooler months.


How to prune: Remove any dead or crossing branches, and lightly trim the tips to promote fuller growth.



2. Bougainvillea


Bougainvillea trimmed and shaped in South Florida yard
A gentle fall trim helps Bougainvillea stay full and colorful while controlling wild summer growth.

Why prune: After their summer flush of color, bougainvilleas can look a little wild. October is a great time to shape them and remove excess growth.


How to prune: Trim lightly — avoid cutting back too hard, as that can reduce flowering. Aim for balance and a tidy shape.



3. Ixora


Lightly pruning Ixora in October keeps it compact and encourages lush, healthy growth.
Lightly pruning Ixora in October keeps it compact and encourages lush, healthy growth.


Why prune: Ixoras respond well to gentle trimming after the summer heat. Pruning now encourages compact growth and sets the stage for more blooms.


How to prune: Remove dead tips and lightly shape the plant, but don’t cut too deep into old wood.



4. Plumbago


Plumbago flowers after October pruning
After the rainy season, a fall trim keeps Plumbago neat and blooming beautifully into winter.


Why prune: Plumbago tends to get leggy after the rainy season. A light trim in October keeps it dense and helps it bloom again before winter.


How to prune: Cut back about one-third of the plant, removing spent flowers and stray branches.



5. Croton


Croton with colorful leaves after trimming
Croton’s vivid leaves stand out even more after a light shaping to remove old or damaged foliage.


Why prune: Crotons benefit from occasional shaping to maintain fullness and encourage new colorful foliage.


How to prune: Snip back overgrown branches and remove damaged leaves — but avoid heavy pruning, as crotons recover slowly.


🌱 Bonus Tip: Clean Tools, Healthy Plants


Always clean and disinfect your pruning tools between plants to prevent spreading disease. A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution keeps your garden safe and thriving.


✨ Final Thoughts

October is one of the best months in South Florida to tidy up your landscape. If you’d like professional help shaping your garden for the season, Blooms in Grace offers personalized pruning and maintenance services to keep your plants healthy and beautiful year-round.

Contact us to schedule your fall cleanup or pruning service today!



 
 
 

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