Jasmine in February: monthly care

Prune jasmine in late winter or early spring—February or March—before new growth begins. Pruning at this time encourages vigorous flowering shoots for the coming summer and keeps the plant within bounds without sacrificing blooms, which form on the current season's growth. Use clean, sharp secateurs or loppers for thicker stems. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or frost-blackened wood back to healthy tissue. Then take out weak, spindly growth and any stems that are crossing or rubbing, which can cause wounds and invite disease. Jasmine can become a tangled mass if left unpruned, so aim to open up the centre slightly to improve air circulation and light penetration. If your jasmine has outgrown its space or become bare at the base, you can cut back harder. Reduce the main stems by up to one-third of their length, cutting just above a healthy bud or side shoot. Older, woody stems that no longer flower well can be pruned back to within 30–60 cm of the base to stimulate fresh growth from lower down. Don't be afraid to be firm—jasmine is resilient and responds well to renovation pruning, though very hard cuts may reduce flowering slightly in the first summer. Throughout the growing season, tie in new shoots regularly to keep growth tidy and direct it where you want it. Deadheading spent flowers isn't essential but does keep the plant looking neat and may encourage a few late blooms.