Question
QUESTION: i live in the naples area of florida and have hibuscus bushes in my yard that are blooming.  they seem to bloom all the time.
they are getting taller but not rounder.  i am wondering what is the correct time of year to prune them back so they are not so leggy and how far back should i cut them.  will they bloom right away after triming.

ANSWER: Hi Donna,
Thanx for your question.  I would prune in the early spring right before they start blooming profusely again.  My experience with these tropical shrubs is they will bloom all year but slow down a bit in the winter.  This is the time to prune.  At first, after pruning, it will take them time to grow new tips for blooming but it should happen rather quickly.  You can prune them and shape them to your heart's desire.  If they're too tall, prune down to a manageable size.  Too leggy?  Trim the tops down which causes more side growth.  Anytime you prune a flowering shrub it's going to cut back on the blooming or even eliminate it for a while in some cases.  Shape the plant and it will bloom after a few months.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: A FRIEND GAVE ME A VERY SMALL BEGONIA PLANT.  IT DID NOT LOOK VERY HEALTHY.
I TRANSPLANTED IT INTO A POT WITH PROPER DRAINAGE AND I BELIEVE SOIL AND FERTILIZER.  THE LEAVES ARE STILL TURNING BROWN AROUND THE ENDS AND IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ADJUSTING WELL
HOW OFTEN DOES IT NEED WATER AND HOW MUCH SUN DOES IT NEED

Answer
Hi Donna,
Do you know what kind of begonia you have?  Most of them prefer diffused sunlight and some will do well in shade.  Most do not like hot, afternooon sun and will wither and die.  You also need to keep them well-hydrated.  This means watering them every day and if they're in a container, they may need to be watered twice a day.  Feed them about every 10 days with a 12-12-12 balanced fertilizer.  I hope this helps.
Tom