Here is a link to excellent information about trimming Hibiscus for more blooms - HOW and WHEN: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/flower/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm Here is a link that might be useful: Trim Hibiscus - how and when

Not trying to disagree with hairmetal4ever, but my father-in-law has a Cercis 'Forest Pansy' that survived -20 with flying colors last winter with no snow cover at the end of February. We also had near record cold mid-November until early December. Have witnessed numerous redbuds (different cultivars, etc..) that all behave with no rhyme or reason as to winter survival. We stopped planting them regularly due to their inconsistency. Your particular redbud rootstock may not be hardy either. Best case scenario it will survive and you can have a neat, multi-stem redbud in the future!

Root starters not really fertilizers but are typically plant growth hormone-based and sometimes with additions of various vitamins (like B1). For the most part, they are really quite unnecessary (especially the B1) for already growing plants but can be helpful when taking cuttings and propagating. They tend to be promoted by nursery staff as add-on sales but without any real understanding of what they can and can't do. One of the reasons that fall planting of trees and shrubs is so often recommended is that these plants in fall naturally undergo an extended period of root growth and root extension that will continue until the ground gets too cold. Plant roots are quite capable of growing perfectly well on their own without us messing about :-) In more than 30 years of professional gardening and countless 100's of trees planted, I've never used a root starter or stimulator product and never had a tree not do well from just a proper planting technique and adequate water. Just make sure you rough up the rootball or release any circling roots - that is ALL the stimulation or encouragement they need!! Myth of root stimulators.

Citrus tree with bare trunk comes with age, those leaves on the trunk of your tree are feeding it, never trim leaves, in the future trim branches that are not growing in right places or not creating the shape you want.