The European pipe bush (Philadelphus coronarius), also called false jasmine, summer jasmine or farmer's jasmine, belongs to the hydrangea family. The shrubs are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in winter, and their flowers bloom between May and June, depending on the conditions of the area. Authorities often plant them in parks and gardens because they look beautiful when in bloom but require little care. With proper pruning, the plant can be kept in an aesthetically pleasing spherical shape. When and how you prune a pipe bush is important. Below you will find helpful tips!
Why should you cut the pipe bush?
Over time, farmer's jasmine becomes overgrown, reducing the number of flowers. Plants that have become overgrown have bare spots on the branches, which then no longer bloom as well. If the vegetation is cut back, the plant gets more sun and can put its energy into flowering. Removing dead or ineffective wood can revitalize the plant's development.
The attractive appearance of summer jasmine can be maintained by pruning, which also promotes the overall health of the plant. HerShrub will always be beautifullook and produce the most flowers when you prune it.
When is the right time to prune?
As with most multi-stemmed deciduous trees, regular pruning - every 2 to 3 years - is required to promote new shoot growth and flower production. If not cared for, a farmer's jasmine can become confusing, overgrown and have brittle trunks. If you prune this attractive shrub at the wrong time of year or in the wrong part of the plant, you can prevent it from blooming. The magnificent and fragrant flowers of this plant are what attract most gardeners, although the dense foliage is also very beautiful.
Thin out every 2 to 3 years
When it comes to pruning the pipe bush, timing is of the utmost importance. The flowering period begins in spring and lasts 2 months. After the bushes have finished flowering but before new branches develop, you should do any necessary pruning. Because the plant flowers on the previous year's shoots, the new growth leads to flowers the following year. So if you prune the plant from the end of summer to the beginning of spring, there may be fewer flowers.
Maintenance pruning on overgrown shrubs is necessary to revive blooms, reduce crowding, and improve air circulation. Pruning farmer's jasmines requires a gradual approach over a period of two or three years. Cut off about a third of the older stems around the base of the plant (just a few inches above the ground). Next year, remove another third of the old shoots from the plant. The overcrowding and floppy trunks of an established pipe bush can be corrected over the course of a few years.
When pruning young plants, only the tips should be removed to encourage new development. Or, if it is a spindly young plant, cut the stems back to about half their original length to stimulate new shoots to grow from the base of the plant.
Cutting pipe bush – instructions
To avoid the transmission of diseases and pests, you should always clean your pruning shears before cutting the plants. Cleaning instruments is as easy as wiping with a solution of water and bleach or rubbing alcohol and water. If you are pruning a pipe bush because it is affected by a pest or disease, you should disinfect your shears between each cut by dipping them in a mixture of water and bleach or rubbing alcohol. How to reduce the likelihood ofthat the disease spreads.
- The first step you should take is to identify old, overgrown branches. Branches should be cut to the base to remove up to a third of the old growth. Also remove some of the shrub's inner branches so that each individual limb can benefit from sunlight and fresh air.
- Check that the plant is growing evenly. Reduce uneven development to make the overall look more balanced and symmetrical.
Remove damaged growth
You can prune the shrub at any time to remove any damaged or dead growth. Removing the damaged growthenables the plantto put their energy into new development, which in turn helps the plant reach its full potential. There is no need to remove spent flowers and this will not extend the flowering period.
Pipe bush – slightly poisonous
It is a plant that is known to be toxic to both animals and humans, so it should be cared for with extreme caution. Therefore, wear gloves when cutting. Squirrels are the only animals that eat the seeds and bees love the nectar that the flowers provide.
