Winter Jasmine

This shrub does best in moist but well-drained soil. During the growing season, water it regularly and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulch the soil with compost or wood chips to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water Winter Jasmine less frequently during the winter months when the plant is dormant, checking the soil periodically until springtime.

Winter Jasmine does best in bright full sun but will tolerate partial shade. During the summer, some afternoon shade will protect it from the hot sun, and during the winter, it prefers bright indirect light. Avoid exposing this plant to long periods of direct sunlight, as it will scorch the green leaves and stunt its growth.

Winter Jasmine is listed as a hardy USDA zone 7-10 plant, meaning it will tolerate temperatures between 0 and 32 °F (-17.8 to 0°C). When temperatures drop below freezing, it will experience a few days of damage, but the plant will bounce back with careful tending. It prefers temperatures of 50–90 °F (10–32°C).

Winter Jasmine prefers relatively humid conditions, although it is quite resistant to drying winds and drought. Try to keep the soil and air around it moist, but not overly wet, and misting the plant will provide some relief in dry conditions.

Winter Jasmine prefers a light, well-drained soil with a pH of 6-8, so use an appropriate potting mix or a mixture of equal parts peat moss, compost, and sand. You can also mix in a small amount of slow-release fertilizer to provide extra nutrition.

Give a light application of an all-purpose balanced fertilizer once a year in the springtime. If the plant appears to be in need of extra nutrients, use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months, either diluted in the water or applied directly to soil. Fertilizing should be done sparingly as this can lead to overfertilization and growth of foliage at the expense of flowers.

Winter Jasmine is prone to a few common garden pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, and should be monitored for signs of infestation. If the plant is affected, try to identify the pest that is causing the damage and use an appropriate treatment depending on the severity of the infestation. Natural methods such as neem oil may be the most effective way of managing minor pest outbreaks.

Re-potting can be done every 1-2 years in the springtime. Use a container with well-draining soil that is a few inches wider than the previous pot, and fill it with a light potting mix. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out before re-watering.

As the Winter Jasmine grows, it will need to be pruned to maintain its size and keep its shape. Prune back long stems and any dead or diseased shoots to encourage healthy growth and blooms in the new season. Pruning should ideally take place in the late spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing.

Winter Jasmine can benefit from mulching during the growing season. Use a thick layer of organic mulch such as straw, bark, or wood chips around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots over the winter months.

The easiest way to propagate Winter Jasmine is by cuttings. Take a 4-inch stem cutting in the early summer and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place it in a pot filled with moist potting soil. With regular watering, the cutting should develop roots within a few weeks.

While it can be grown as a groundcover, this shrub is better suited for use as a trained climber. Set up a trellis or other support system for the twining stems to grow up, and tie them loosely at the base.

This plant does not have a hard winter rest period, but it will benefit from reduced watering and a lower than usual temperature to mimic the cooler winter season. The plant should experience some dormancy over the winter months.

Unlike many other flowering plants, Winter Jasmine is non-toxic to both humans and pets, making it a great choice for households with children or pets.