How to Prune a Pink Bower Vine Plant
Early American gardeners trained climbing vines to cover outbuildings, arbors, or fences, using them for shade, beauty, and even food. Today, they bring beauty and class to any yard or garden, and grow with minimal effort once they have a secure area to scale.
One such variety is the Pink Bower Plant, also known as the Pandorea Jasminoid. Originally from Australia, this perennial evergreen thrives in warmer climates with minimal care. It bears pink, funnel-shaped flowers with a deep red throat in late spring and early summer, making it easily identifiable.
Because a single vine can grow up to 30 feet and live to be 20 years old, annual pruning--or cutting back the plant--is required to keep the plant healthy and make sure it does not overtake a designated growing area.
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Instructions
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Look over the vine carefully, locating any dead or dying branches. These can be identified by leaves that are drying or falling off the plant, or stems that are brittle and break easily. Using the pruning shears according to manufacturer's recommendations, remove the damaged branches by cutting them off the healthy plant stem to which they are attached.
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Examine the growing area that the vine covers. If the plant is overtaking other structures or plants, such as a tree, cut back these branches to contain the vine to the desired area.
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Make sure the structure that supports the vine is sturdy. For example, if the bower vine covers an old fence, prune back any heavy vines that could cause the structure to fall, creating either an eyesore or a liability issue.
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Prune any stems that you simply do not want to keep, other than the main stem planted in the ground. Because a bower vine can withstand a harsh cutting, it is possible to prune it down to the main stem to reshape or control the vine without damaging it, if desired.
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Tips & Warnings
If you've never used pruning shears before, you may want to borrow some from a neighbor, friend or family member before purchasing an expensive pair you only use once a year.
Prune vines in late winter or early spring to avoid damaging new growth.
Never cut the main growth stem, as this may irreparably damage the vine.
