While “True Jasmine” species can be a bit finicky and definitely don’t like the cold, Winter Jasmine (often called Fragrant Jasmine) is a totally different story. This hardy shrub can hang out in your garden all winter long without you needing to worry about bringing it indoors.
Winter Jasmine is incredibly hardy
Winter Jasmine is a tough cookie and is perfectly adapted to cold climates. Unlike its cousins in the True Jasmine family, it is fully winter-hardy. Even when the thermometer dips well below freezing, this plant holds its own without a problem.
If you’ve just planted a young shrub, you’ll want to be a little more careful since its roots haven’t grown very deep yet. But by its second year, Winter Jasmine is basically frost-proof. This is because its root system anchors itself deep into the soil, staying cozy and protected from the freezing air. Occasionally, you might see some “frostbite” on the branches above ground, but don’t panic! The plant will bounce back in the spring, sending out fresh new growth to replace any old, frozen bits.
Prepping your Winter Jasmine for the cold
For the most part, Winter Jasmine is low-maintenance and doesn’t need much prep work for the winter. One big tip: avoid pruning in the fall. If you trim it back too late in the season, you’ll likely cut off the side shoots and buds that are supposed to bloom in the spring, leaving you with fewer flowers.
Extra TLC for young shrubs
Since the roots of brand-new shrubs aren’t established deep in the ground yet, they are a bit more vulnerable to freezing temperatures. To give them a helping hand, it’s a smart move to cover the soil around the base with a layer of mulch, fallen leaves, compost, or straw. This acts like a warm blanket for the roots during those first few winters.
Don’t forget to water (occasionally!)
Because Winter Jasmine has such deep roots, it usually finds enough moisture on its own. However, if you’re having a particularly dry winter, your plant might get thirsty. Give it a little water every now and then, but make sure you only do this on frost-free days—otherwise, the water will just freeze on top of the soil.
Quick Recap: Winter Care at a Glance
Here’s a cheat sheet for keeping your Winter Jasmine happy during the cold months:
- Winter Jasmine is fully winter-hardy.
- Skip the fall pruning to save those spring blooms.
- Give young plants a little extra mulch for protection.
- Water occasionally during very dry winters (but only when it’s not freezing!).
