Pink jasmine
Jasminum polyanthum · Oleaceae
📷 Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around pink jasmine and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Jasminum polyanthum
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Form
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- November to February
- Adult height
- Up to 3 meters
- Hardiness
- Tender (5 to 10 °C minimum)
- Origin
- China
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Jasminum polyanthum blooms in winter only if it has had at least 2 months of cool conditions (8-10°C) in autumn: without this cold rest period, no flowers. It climbs vigorously with good support, but remains stingy with blooms without bright light exposure.
The common mistake
Growing it indoors in heated conditions year-round: it just vegetates and won't flower, people think it's dead.
The pro's trick
In October-November, move it outside sheltered from wind (a cool veranda is perfect) to force its dormancy.
Care
Light and exposure
Place your winter jasmine in a semi-shaded location, ideally with 2 to 4 hours of direct light per day. Too little light will slow winter flowering. In warm regions, afternoon partial shade protects it from summer scorching.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season (spring-summer). Reduce watering in autumn and winter, without letting the root ball dry out completely. Check soil moisture with your finger before watering.
Pruning and training
Prune after flowering (February-March) to remove dead branches and maintain a balanced shape. Pinch young stems in spring to encourage branching. Guide stems along a trellis or support structure for better form.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month from April to August. Reduce or stop in autumn and winter to avoid disrupting winter flowering. Moderate feeding is sufficient; excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Soil and drainage
Grow jasmine in rich, well-draining potting soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Adding sand or perlite improves aeration. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot in pots or in the ground.
Problem prevention
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, particularly indoors or in dry conditions. Regular leaf misting and adequate ventilation reduce risks. For mild infestations, rinse with water or spray with mild soap.
Did you know?
Winter jasmine was highly prized in ancient China and the Middle East for its intense sweet fragrance that fills the air in the depths of winter. Europeans discovered it in the nineteenth century and adopted it to flower winter gardens and sunrooms, as its winter blooms offered a colorful and fragrant respite during the dark months.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.