Regular pruning is necessary to ensure that the winter jasmine always blooms beautifully in the cold season. You can find out when and how this is done correctly here.
The garden does not have to appear gray and dreary during the winter - after all, there is the winter jasmine. Because this opens its sunny yellow flowers from December. The blossom fireworks often last into April and are replaced by daffodils, tulips and other early bloomers. Regular pruning allows the plant to branch out better and develop plenty of new shoots, which will bear numerous flowers again next winter.
Why should winter jasmine be pruned?
Winter jasmine is easy to care for. Even a cut is not absolutely necessary, but can make a difference. In the first few years, the winter bloomer grows only hesitantly. If adult plants get a growth spurt, the shoots can quickly reach dimensions of three meters and more. Then at the latest it is time for regular pruning. If you fail to cut, the winter jasmine will grow uncontrollably in height and width.
But not only that: the rods of the plant are flexible and often reach down to the ground. New roots then form on the sinkers. If you want to prevent uncontrolled spread, you should remove these sinkers regularly. Also: Flowers only develop on young shoots. If the plant is not pruned, the winter jasmine will wither and deadwood will hinder new growth.
When should winter jasmine be pruned?
In no case should winter jasmine be pruned during or immediately before flowering. In April, however, flowering is coming to an end. Then the time has come to cut back the winter jasmine. The shoots are then shortened to about a fifth. Since it is an extremely vigorous plant, the winter jasmine will soon regain its original proportions.
Pruning back at three-year intervals is recommended for older plants. If pruning measures have been completely missed over the year, only a radical pruning often helps. The robust plants usually recover quickly from this as well.
Tip:
No radical cuts should be made in summer. Otherwise the plant will not flower in winter.
What should be considered when pruning winter jasmine?
Because this is a very vigorous plant that tolerates pruning, pruning hardly poses any problems. However, in order not to harm the plant, you should use a clean and sharp cutting tool. If you use blunt pruning shears, squeeze the shoots and avoid creating straight cutting edges. As a result, the wound does not close properly and germs can penetrate, which damage the winter jasmine.
Tip:
So that the plant will sprout again quickly, you should leave at least three to five eyes on the shoots when pruning.
How do you cut winter jasmine in a bucket?
With potted plants, it is important that the form is maintained. The lush growing winter jasmine should be cut annually in spring. This will give you a bushy growth. If you want the container plant to appear more sprawling, the shoots can be given a climbing aid and grow up to two meters long.
If the winter jasmine is not cut in the pot, it quickly looks unkempt and can then tolerate a radical cut.
How to cut winter jasmine for the vase?
Winter jasmine can bring spring into the house. It is best to cut the branches when the flowers have not yet opened. That depends on the weather and is usually the case from mid-December to early January. Then opt for shoots that are covered with many buds. If you cut so-called Barbara branches, with a bit of luck the winter jasmine will bloom at Christmas.
Tip:
The flowering branches of winter jasmine are perfect for winter grave decoration. Simply place the branches in a cemetery vase, for example together with some fir greenery.