November brings a welcome break from Florida’s heat, and with it, a fresh start for your garden. Cooler temps make it the perfect time to get outside and tidy things up. Pruning now helps your plants stay strong through winter and bounce back beautifully in spring.
A few smart cuts can shape healthier growth and prevent problems down the line. I’ve found that grabbing your shears this month can be the difference between a thriving garden and a tangled mess come next year. A little effort now pays off in blooms later.
1. Roses
Your rose bushes are begging for a trim after blooming through Florida’s long growing season. November offers ideal conditions because the heat has backed off, reducing stress on your plants.
Remove dead canes and shape the bushes by cutting back about one-third of their height. Clean cuts made at a 45-degree angle help prevent disease and promote vigorous spring blooms that will brighten your garden beds beautifully.
2. Hibiscus
These tropical beauties can get leggy and overgrown without regular maintenance. Cutting them back in November encourages bushier growth and more flowers when warm weather returns.
Focus on removing weak or crossing branches first, then shape the plant to your desired size. Don’t be afraid to prune aggressively—hibiscus bounces back quickly and rewards bold trimming with spectacular blooms that pollinators absolutely adore throughout the year.
3. Bougainvillea
Wild and colorful, bougainvillea vines can take over your yard if left unchecked. November pruning keeps them manageable while maintaining their stunning display of papery bracts.
Trim back long shoots and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation. Wear thick gloves because those thorns are no joke! Proper pruning now ensures your bougainvillea stays within bounds and produces even more vibrant color displays next season.
4. Azaleas
Timing matters tremendously when pruning azaleas, and November hits the sweet spot in Florida. These shade-loving shrubs set next year’s flower buds soon, so pruning now won’t sacrifice spring blooms.
Remove dead wood and shape the plants lightly to maintain their natural form. Avoid heavy pruning unless absolutely necessary. Light trimming keeps azaleas compact and encourages the breathtaking flower show that makes these Southern favorites so beloved.
5. Fruit Trees
Citrus and other fruit trees benefit from November pruning when they enter their slower growth phase. Removing dead branches and water sprouts improves tree health and fruit production.
Focus on opening up the canopy to allow sunlight and air to reach all parts of the tree. Cut back any branches rubbing against each other or growing inward. Proper pruning creates stronger trees that produce bigger, juicier fruit for your family to enjoy fresh.
6. Gardenias
Nothing beats the intoxicating fragrance of gardenia blooms in spring. Pruning these glossy-leaved shrubs in November helps maintain their attractive shape without sacrificing flowers.
Trim lightly to remove straggly growth and keep plants compact. Gardenias bloom on old wood, so avoid cutting back too severely or you’ll miss out on those heavenly white flowers. Smart November pruning ensures your gardenias stay tidy while delivering maximum fragrance next season.
7. Crepe Myrtles
Often victims of brutal pruning, crepe myrtles actually need gentle shaping in November. Skip the harsh topping that creates ugly knobs and weakens branches.
Instead, remove suckers from the base and thin out crossing branches in the center. Light pruning preserves the tree’s natural vase shape and beautiful bark. Your crepe myrtles will thank you with stunning summer blooms and elegant structure that looks good year-round in your Florida landscape.
8. Ixora
Bright clusters of flowers make ixora hedges popular throughout Florida neighborhoods. November pruning keeps these tropical shrubs dense and flowering prolifically. Cut back leggy stems and shape hedges to your preferred height and width.
Ixora tolerates heavy pruning well, so don’t worry about being too aggressive. Regular trimming encourages branching and more flower clusters in those vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that butterflies find absolutely irresistible throughout the warm months ahead.
9. Plumeria
Did you know plumeria trees naturally drop their leaves in November? This makes it the perfect pruning window before they go dormant. Remove dead or damaged branches and shape the tree while you can clearly see its structure.
Plumeria bleeds a milky sap when cut, so wear gloves and clean your tools afterward. Smart November pruning creates better branching patterns and encourages those fragrant, colorful flowers that make Florida gardens feel like paradise.
10. Firebush
Hummingbirds love firebush, but these fast-growing natives can become unruly without November pruning. Cutting them back maintains manageable size while promoting dense, attractive growth. Trim stems back by about half their length to encourage branching and more tubular flowers.
Firebush handles aggressive pruning beautifully and rebounds quickly. Regular maintenance keeps plants bushy and covered with the red-orange blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making your garden a wildlife haven year-round.