LeafbaseThe modern encyclopedia for plants and trees
African Basil
आज का पौधा

Ocimum gratissimum

African BasilShrub

Ocimum gratissimum, also known as clove basil, African basil, and in Hawaii as wild basil, is a species of basil. It is native to Africa, Madagascar, southern Asia, and the Bismarck Archipelago, and naturalized in Polynesia, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama, West Indies, Brazil, and Bolivia.

FamilyLamiaceae
GenusOcimum
NativeCentral Africa
LifespanPerennial; typically 3–7 years under tropical field conditions

Pruning & Training Guide

Proper pruning keeps your Hibiscus healthy, bushy, and full of flowers.

Best time to prune is late winter to early spring before new growth begins.

Why Prune Hibiscus?

Encourages flowers

Bloom

Stimulates new flowering shoots.

Promotes bushy growth

Shape

Encourages compact branching.

Removes dead branches

Health

Removes diseased or damaged stems.

Improves air circulation

Airflow

Reduces fungal risk.

How to Prune Hibiscus

Remove dead branches

1

Cut back damaged stems to healthy tissue.

Cut back long stems

2

Trim leggy stems to encourage new growth.

Shape the plant

3

Prune to maintain a rounded form.

Encourage blooms

4

Pinch tips to encourage flower buds.

Tools You Need

Bypass pruner

Tool

For clean branch cuts.

Loppers

Tool

For thicker woody stems.

Gloves

Safety

Protects hands while pruning.

Rubbing alcohol

Clean

Sterilize tools before use.

TipObserve your plant regularly and adjust care according to your local climate and conditions.