How to Prune a Jasmine Bush

Plan your pruning technique to avoid cutting the bush back too much. Mark branches and stems that are broken or dead with colored marking tape. Tie the tape slightly above where you want to make the cut.

Locate branches and stems crisscrossing each other or rubbing together. Use the tape to mark these branches for removal. If a branch looks like it may intersect another branch before you prune again, mark it for trimming. Again, tie the tape just above where you will make the cuts.

Check for diseased branches or stems. Tie marking tape at the base of these stems. Any disease not completely removed can come back and destroy the plant.

Tie marking tape around the stems or branches growing away from the confines of the garden space for the jasmine. If a stem is too high or creating a wider plant than you want, determine how long you want the stem and mark it with the tape.

Prune the jasmine by cutting just below the marker tape. With all the branches clearly marked, you know what needs removed and what stays. Scrutinize the plant to determine if more pruning is needed. Continue pruning until you are satisfied with the size and shape. Discard the pruned trimmings or try your hand at stem propagation for more flowering jasmine plants.