Pruning summer jasmine

Question

Dear Gardening Knowhow,

Two and a half years ago I bought two summer jasmines from a local garden shop. I planted one in full sun and the other in half sun and shade. Neither has bloomed in two years. But both are now tall and bushy and in need of some attention.

A friend suggested that I should only cut the lower branches and leave the upper ones. Is that wise? At the base, the plants have thick woody stems which reach up to nearly two metres high.

Any advice most welcome.

Thanks,

Joe Finer

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Answer 1

The advise about pruning only the lower growth was likely intended to preserve the flowering potential which normally occurs on the top and outer foliage.
But I would recommend shaping the tops down by 25% in spring as the weather warms up and the growing season starts.
The competition for water an nutrients is significant with the grasses and other plants; from the photos, the jasmine is showing chlorosis (yellowing) due to nutrient deficiencies.
Avoid high nitrogen chemical fertilizer which will stimulate foliar growth at the expense of flowering. Fertilize with a complete organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. I'm not sure what is available in Germany, but here is an example from the US:
https://www.domyown.com/dr-earth-total-advantage-rose-floral-fertilizer-p-9491.html