Question
QUESTION: I have a nice Arabian Jasmine we purchased at Lowe's on Sunday.
We live in Houston, TX, where the winters are very mild if not warm and the plant is indoors in any case.

I re-potted the plant in quick-draining soil and it is flourishing. It gets plenty of sunlight (southern and western exposure)and it's blooming already.

I would like to know when to prune the plant once the blossoms have fallen, and where to cut.

This is my first time having a Jasmine plant and I'd like for it to be a success.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

ANSWER: Sharon,

If you have ever had jasmine tea it is made from the Arabian Jasmine petals. You should prune it immediately after it is finished blooming in late spring. When you prune you should cut it back by half. That will make it get even bushier.

Following are 2 websites with a lot of information on your Jasmine:  http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/giftflowers/flowersandfragrances/jasmine

http://www.gardenguides.com/84241-care-water-arabian-jasmine-plant.html

When you prune it back you might consider using some of your prunings as cuttings. Remove the lower leaves, dip them in rooting hormone and insert them in a pot of sandy soil. They should root in 4-6 weeks. When rooted you could try planting 1 or 2 outside in the ground. You are in zone 9 and they should survive.

My husband and I are coming to Texas on vacation next week to visit friends in the Fort Hood area.  I will have to check out Lowes garden center and see what I can find. I am in northern IN so most anything I find will have to remain potted. Good luck with your jasmine.

Darlene



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help.

Would you suggest a YouTube video on how to prune a jasmine plant?

Answer
Sharon,

There are no You Tube videos on pruning Arabian Jasmine and all other jasmine plants are vines and not shrubs. The following video is general pruning advice for tree shaped potted plants. Pruning your potted Arabian Jasmine would follow the same instructions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-xQVyk6eIM

This one is titled: Prune this: How and why plants grow tall or grow bushy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItQKplNTloY&feature=related

You should always prune just above where a leaf is growing out of the stem. Don't prune off more than half the plant. Each limb you prune will be replaced by 2 so it will reward you with a bushier plant and more flowers. Good luck!

Darlene