How to Prune Sampaguita

In the Philippines, where Jasminum sambac is the national flower, it is called sampaguita. The fragrant blossoms are the inspiration for festivals and celebrations throughout the islands. In the United States, it is usually called Arabian jasmine. Most jasmines grow as a bushy shrub or climbing vine, and sampaguita combines these two forms with a shrubby growth habit and twining tendrils. The shrub grows 6 to 10 feet tall, but you can maintain it at a shorter height with hard pruning. Prune sampaguita when the flowers begin to fade. If you wait too long, you will remove many of next year's flower buds.

Things You'll Need

• Hand pruners

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove weak, damaged or diseased stems at a point near the main stem using hand pruners.

   • 2

     Cut vigorous stems that aren't branching at a point just above a pair of buds. This will encourage branching and result in a bushier plant.

   • 3

     Remove branches that cross or rub against each other. Rubbing results in damage that provides an entry point for diseases.

   • 4

     Tie trailing branches that touch the ground to a support, or remove the entire branch.