Prune "hard" - what does it mean ?

Question

I have a dwarf jasmine ("White New Orlean"?) which is flowering now. Instructions for tending it say - "prune hard" to ensure good flowering. What does it mean? How do I prune it, when, and how "hard" is "hard" enough ?
Thanks

Answer 1

Cut stems back to three or four buds from the base or the bud unions. The end result is strong stems which are about 4 to 5 inches in length.

There is know exact science when cutting. One person may cut more off, the other far less. The above is a good guideline.
Its the same for pruning roses hard.

Answer 2

Light pruning is just removing a little bit, hard pruning is removing far more material.......maybe 90% The amount to prune varies greatly with the plant varity, it's age and health.

The above suggestion tells you where to prune, don't be shy. The plant will love you for it. Also the plant will not become overgrown with dead twigs as can happy with many vine type plants and some shrubs. In a sense, each year you are starting with a "new, vigorous plant." Go for it!!

Answer 3

The others above me are correct. BUT, I have learned over the years to cut everything down to about 2 inches above the ground. No matter what type of plant it comes back the next spring at least twice its size. The only shrub I have that gets pruned hard in the spring and not the fall is the Butterfly shrub.