Planting Winter Jasmine

Winter Jasmine

The winter jasmine originates from western China. It was introduced to the West in the 1800s by Robert Fortune, who is of Scottish descent. Although reminiscent of the forsythia, it is not of the same genus. The difference between the two plants is that forsythias produce four petals, whereas the winter jasmine produces six. The winter jasmine grows in hardiness zones six through nine. This plant is favored for its hardiness and its ability to tolerate all different soil types. It is also fairly easy to transplant.

Winter jasmine grow on a shrub with long, willow-like branches in a compound leaf style. The yellow flowers grow in small clusters and the shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall. These flowers have a tendency to sprout some green even through the winter months. They require pruning every three to four years. They look great as they cascade down over ponds or lakes, as well as walls. But the flowers do require a great deal of sun, so be sure to plant it where it can access plenty of sunlight. Winter jasmine is given the name “winter” due to its peak grow being in late February. The peak period lasts through early March.

The winter jasmine has a fast growth rate and can take strong root in the given soil and spread quickly. It is important, as a landscaper, to make sure that this plant does not get out of control. Give it plenty of room from your other plants so as not to let them compete for nutrients and water. The winter jasmine is very hardy. The shrub is known for being disease resistant, and can grow on trellises. Different cultivars of the winter jasmine are available, including the Aureum which produces leaves with yellow blotches on them. The Mystique winter jasmine has silvery white lines throughout. The Nanum winter jasmine grows slowly and more compactly in comparison to other cultivars.

Planting Winter Jasmine

Planting the winter jasmine requires you to start with one to three gallons worth of pots. Give each pot three feet of room from one another. Given their fast growth rate as well as their hardiness, disease resistance and all different type of soil tolerances, growing winter jasmines will be fairly easy. There are some helpful reminders, however, to make sure that you are planting your winter jasmine the right way and not the wrong way: Although these plants are hardy, they do require plenty of sun. They can tolerate some light shading but plenty of sunlight is preferred. The best type of soil for winter jasmines is well-drained. There aren’t any known pests that prey on winter jasmines. When pruning, be sure to cut away at least a foot. This is required every three to four years.