Winter jasmine
Jasminum nudiflorum · Oleaceae
📷 Burkhard Mücke · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around winter jasmine and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Winter jasmine
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Type
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub
- Adult height
- Up to 3 meters
- Flowering
- January to March, yellow flowers
- Exposure
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15 °C
- Growth
- Fast and vigorous
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Its strength: blooming with next to nothing. Integrate it as a climber on a shaded wall or trellis, with no regular watering after establishment.
The common mistake
Watering it generously slows down winter flowering and causes soft, frost-prone growth.
The pro's trick
Cut back long stems in September: they restart thicker and deliver earlier, longer flowering in November.
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish a strong root system. Once established, winter jasmine tolerates drought well but appreciates moderate watering during active growth. In winter, reduce watering without letting the soil dry out completely.
Exposure and light
Install winter jasmine in a sunny or partially shaded location for optimal flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Protect it from strong cold winds that could damage young stems during winter.
Pruning and training
Prune after flowering (April-May) to remove dead wood and weak branches. Cut back overly long stems to encourage branching and a compact shape. You can also train it against a wall or structure to create an elegant espalier.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to support new growth. When flower buds form (autumn), a one-time application of potassium-rich fertilizer stimulates better flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Soil type
Winter jasmine prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. Improve poor soil with compost or potting soil at planting time. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot in winter.
Diseases and pests
This is a generally hardy plant and not very prone to problems. In overly humid conditions, watch for fungal diseases or root rot. Spider mites may occasionally affect it in dry climates; good hygiene is usually sufficient to control them.
Did you know?
Winter jasmine originates from China and was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. Despite its name, it's not a true jasmine of the Jasminum officinale genus, but carries this name because of its small fragrant yellow flowers that bring a precious perfumed note during the long gray months of winter, hence its popularity among temperate garden enthusiasts.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.