How to Trim Carolina Jessamine
Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a vine favored for its evergreen foliage and its yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear February through April. A favorite throughout the southern United States -- USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and south -- it can be seen trailing over fences and trellises, and rambling on shrubs along forest edges. As a vigorous grower, Carolina jessamine requires pruning to keep it in its place. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Cut out all dead and diseased stems with hand pruners. Cut back to healthy wood. Always discard diseased plant material by bagging and setting out for collection.
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Thin a tangled mass of vines by removing branches that cross each other or are crowded. Healthy plant debris can be placed on the compost pile.
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Attach stray vines to trellises and fences by gently winding them through the structure. You may have to loosely tie some stems to trellis members with jute twine to keep them upright. The vine will quickly secure itself by growing through the trellis.
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Tips & Warnings
Prune Carolina jessamine in spring after it finishes flowering.
It is always appropriate to prune out dead and diseased branches, as well as stray vines that interfere with doorways and walkways.
Vines requiring rejuvenation can be cut back severely to about 2 feet to improve vigor.
All parts of Carolina jessamine are poisonous and may cause skin irritation. Use garden gloves to prevent irritation.
