I moved into a new home in 2016 and inherited a tall, somewhat overgrown Star Jasmine vine. It didn’t look horrible, but I just wanted to do some neatening. Late that past winter, a profusion of sweetly scented flowers appeared for weeks, so it was worth saving. This is all about pruning Star Jasmine to shape and rejuvenate it.
Star Jasmine can be grown in many different forms. I’ve seen this twining plant growing as a vine, a low border hedge, a ground cover, against a wall or fence (it’s great for covering a chain link fence), over an arch, across an arbor, and spilling out of containers.
Note: This post was published on 7/2/2017. It was updated on 3/29/2024. Here’s why Star Jasmine is so popular – those masses of fragrant flowers that cover the plant!
Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a beloved vine prized for its sweetly fragrant white blooms and glossy evergreen foliage. With its fast growth rate and vigorous climbing habit this plant does require regular pruning to keep it in bounds and looking its best. Proper pruning also stimulates new growth and abundant flowering.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover when and how to prune star jasmine vines and groundcovers. Whether you need to trim back an overgrown plant or maintain an established vine, these pruning techniques will help you get the most out of your star jasmine.
When to Prune Star Jasmine
Timing is important when pruning star jasmine. This evergreen vine blooms in late spring to early summer depending on your climate. The best time to prune is immediately after the main flush of blooms fade. This allows the plant time to regenerate new growth and set flower buds before winter dormancy.
You can also prune in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid pruning late in the year, as the vine needs time to recover before cooler weather arrives. Late pruning may diminish next year’s bloom.
Pruning Tools Needed
Have these basic pruning tools on hand before beginning:
- Bypass pruners for smaller stems
- Loppers for thicker branches
- Hedge shears for large areas of foliage
- Pole pruners for hard-to-reach areas
Wear gloves and eye protection when pruning. Star jasmine secretes a mildly toxic, milky sap when cut.
How to Trim Star Jasmine Vines
For established vines growing on supports like trellises and arbors, a yearly trim keeps growth tidy and flowering profuse. Here’s how to trim back overgrowth:
- Remove any dead, damaged or crossing stems first.
- Cut back wayward lateral branches and trailing stems by a few inches.
- Head back vigorous upright stems by 1/3 to 1/2 their length.
- Make cuts at an angle just above a leaf node or set of buds.
Trim established vines lightly in this manner, removing no more than 30% of the total growth. Take care not to leave unsightly gaps in foliage.
How to Prune Overgrown Vines
Neglected star jasmine vines can become a tangled mess. Here’s how to renovate overgrown plants:
- Cut away and remove all dead wood first.
- Select 3-5 of the most vigorous stems and remove all others.
- Cut back the remaining stems by 1/2 to 2/3 their length.
- Tie stems back onto their support structure.
This hard pruning stimulates abundant new growth at the base and flowering spurs on the remaining stems. The plant will quickly refill in one season.
Pruning Star Jasmine Groundcovers
For groundcover plantings, prune to shape and contain spread as needed. Trim back perimeter growth to keep edges neat. Shear the entire groundcover down to 6-12 inches after flowering finishes using hedge shears or a string trimmer.
Lightly prune again midsummer if needed to remove stray shoots. Take care not to cut below green foliage or leave visible bare spots.
Caring for Star Jasmine After Pruning
Pruning is stressful for plants. Follow these aftercare tips to help star jasmine recover quickly:
- Water deeply after pruning to prevent transplant shock.
- Apply a 2-4 inch layer of compost or organic mulch around the root zone.
- Fertilize vines with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer to stimulate regrowth.
- Check for pest problems like scale and treat if found.
- Allow plenty of time for new growth and flower bud development before winter.
With proper pruning techniques and aftercare, your star jasmine vines will reward you with vigorous new shoots, ample blooms, and a shapely, well-managed plant. Timed correctly, pruning is vital for keeping this gorgeous vine looking its best.
When to Prune Star Jasmine
The best time to prune Star Jasmine is right after it’s finished flowering. I pruned mine in early May because it had finished flowering at that time. Depending on your desired look and the plant’s shape, it can be pruned fairly hard or on the light side.
If it’s growing rapidly, you may need to prune it one or two more times in summer or early fall.
However, you don’t want to prune a Star Jasmine too late in the year, as it needs enough time to set its flowers so they can appear in late winter or early spring the next year.
Are you looking for more growing tips? Check out this Star Jasmine Care Guide. This Star Jasmine growing over an arched doorway had been pruned & is putting out lots of light green new growth. It’s covered in flower buds too.
Pruning Star Jasmine Tips
Note: This post was written in 2017. I sold this house at the end of 2020, the last time I saw this Star Jasmine. This ornamental plant can take full sun in some climates, but not here. These photos aren’t the clearest. I moved into a new home three years ago and don’t have any new photos to share with you. I wish I did!
Guarantee flowers next year by PRUNING JASMINE now | How to prune jasmine and when to do it
FAQ
When should you cut back star jasmine?
Timing is everything when it comes to corrective pruning of Star Jasmine. Prune when the plant is in a state of active growth, typically spring or early summer. This ensures a swift recovery. Avoid winter pruning as it can lead to less vigorous regrowth and increased vulnerability to frost damage.
What happens if you don’t prune jasmine?
The good thing about jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is that even if you do little it tends to just keep flowering. However, if you want to train one into a particular space, or if it has become overgrown, then the best time to prune is now, after the flowers have finished.
How to make star jasmine bushy?
Pinch off vine tips to encourage growth.
If you’ve got a new or small plant, you can prune it to make jasmine grow larger. Just pinch off the tips of the vines to encourage your jasmine to branch off and create a fuller plant.
How to rejuvenate star jasmine?
Carefully prune the affected portions of the plant, removing completely dried up ends of each stem. This will encourage new growth and prevent further damage. Trim back any errant growth for perspective and remove any awkward or dead stems that may be hindering the plant’s overall health.
How do you prune a star jasmine plant?
Take a close look at your star jasmine plant and identify the areas that need pruning. Look for any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any leggy or overgrown growth that needs to be thinned out. Step 3: Start with dead or damaged branches Begin by removing any dead or damaged branches.
Why should I prune star jasmine?
Here are the main reasons for pruning star jasmine vines and shrubs: Improves flower production. Pruning stimulates new growth, which leads to more flower buds and blooms. Allows shaping and training. Pruning lets you shape star jasmine as a vine, hedge, shrub or groundcover. Improves plant health.
How often should you prune a star jasmine?
Pruning is not a one-time task; it requires regular maintenance to keep your star jasmine looking its best. Plan on pruning your star jasmine annually during late winter or early spring. Regularly inspect the plant throughout the year and remove any dead or damaged branches as needed. To ensure successful pruning, keep the following tips in mind:
Should I cut back star jasmine?
Don’t worry. Cutting back star jasmines isn’t difficult and the plants recover quickly. You may want to start cutting back star jasmines on an annual basis to keep the plants within bounds. If you inherit a neglected plant, you may need to do severe pruning to get it back on a better track. Are you wondering when to cut back star jasmine?
Can star jasmine be pruned while dormant?
Although deciduous vines can be pruned while dormant, star jasmine is not deciduous. Star jasmine grows as an evergreen in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. However, its growth slows down during winter and early spring. Early spring is a good time to start pruning a star jasmine.
How do you prune a jasmine vine?
Pruning an older, well-established jasmine vine can be challenging. You may be tempted to yank at vines to pull them apart. If your jasmine is thick, start at the bottom and work up a single stem, clearing excessive growth as you go. Then move to the next stem. If the vines are tangled, cut away the smaller branches to reveal the main vine.