Basically, you don't have to cut a pipe bush at all. If you have enough space, simply let the “false jasmine” grow and enjoy its abundance of flowers. If you want to cut the bush because it is getting too big, choose the right time.
When and how should you prune a pipe bush?
A pipe bush should be cut immediately after flowering. A distinction is made between maintenance pruning, pruning, rejuvenation pruning and pruning as a hedge. With care pruning, only shoots that are too close together, dried out or weak are removed, while other types of pruning involve more interference with the plant.
Cutting the pipe bush – tips for pruning
The gardener differentiates between four different types of pruning for pipe bushes:
- care cut
- pruning
- Rejuvenation cut
- Pruning as a hedge
Important: Pay attention to the right time
Pipe bushes develop their flowers on the small side shoots that grow out of the main shoots over the course of the year. So the flowers are created the previous year.
You should therefore only cut a pipe bush immediately after the flowering period. Otherwise you will wait in vain for flowers the following spring.
The shrub tolerates vigorous pruning, but with each main shoot removed you reduce the number of flower-bearing branches. If you shorten the bush very much, it will not bloom at all or only a little for up to two years.
Instructions for care cutting
When pruning, you only thin out the shrub. Under no circumstances should you cut everything off. Only remove shoots and branches that are too close together and that are dry or weak.
Pruning the pipe bush
If you care for the pipe bush as a solitary plant in the garden, you can simply let it grow. Only if it gets too tall can you cut it off after flowering and cut off any spreading branches.
When is a rejuvenation cut necessary?
Instead of severe pruning, it is better to continuously rejuvenate the shrub. Every year you cut off some of the old branches as deeply as possible.
The pipe bush is stimulated to form new shoots. This will prevent the shrub from becoming bald over time.
Cutting pipe bushes in the hedge
If you grow pipe bushes in the hedge, you can't avoid regular trimming if you want the hedge to maintain a certain shape. However, trimming the hedge comes at the expense of abundant flowers.
Tip
Depending on the variety, a pipe bush can grow between one and five meters high. When purchasing, make sure that you can provide it with enough space in a convenient location.
