The summer jasmine (bot. Solanum jasminoides) can grow to a good three meters high, with shoots up to one meter long. The plant produces decorative white flowers until October. Summer jasmine is very easy to cut.
When and how should you cut summer jasmine?
Summer jasmine should be pruned once a year: in spring for winter garden plants and in autumn for plants kept outside. Wearing gloves, remove up to a third of the shoots and cut off wilted flowers to encourage new bud formation.
Does summer jasmine need to be pruned regularly?
Regular pruning of the non-hardy summer jasmine is definitely recommended. This means the plant remains manageable in size. Disturbing or diseased shoots can be removed at any time; this will not harm the summer jasmine. By trimming (cutting off wilted flowers) you also promote the formation of new buds and flowers and thus extend the flowering period.
When is the best time to prune?
The ideal time to cut summer jasmine depends on its location. If you cultivate the plant in the winter garden all year round, a relatively vigorous pruning in spring is recommended. On the other hand, it is best to cut back a potted plant on the terrace in the fall before overwintering. This means it needs less space and care in its winter quarters.
What should I pay attention to when pruning?
Summer jasmine is poisonous, so it's best to always wear gloves (€17.00 on Amazon) when pruning. This way you avoid skin contact with the plant sap. You can use the clippings for propagation and take cuttings from them.
Even if summer jasmine tolerates pruning well, you should not prune it too much. About a third of the shoots should remain on the plant. You can achieve a beautiful overall picture if the crown is about as big as the planter after cutting.
The most important things in brief:
- easy to cut
- regular pruning recommended, once a year
- ideal time: spring for plants in the winter garden, autumn for plants kept outside
- wear gloves when pruning, the plant is poisonous
- Plant can be shortened by up to a third
- Cutting off wilted flowers promotes new bud formation
- Corrective cutting possible all year round
- Cuttings can be used for propagation (cuttings)
Tip
If you regularly cut off wilted flowers, you will encourage your summer jasmine to form new buds and thus extend the flowering period.
