With the right TLC, a jasmine plant can be your garden companion for many, many years. To keep that single plant thriving for the long haul, it’s not just about daily care—it’s all about getting that winter dormancy period just right.
Jasmine as a Perennial
At its heart, jasmine is a perennial. This means it doesn’t just call it quits after blooming season is over. Instead, it takes a little nap over the winter and comes back ready to grow and climb all over again. The secret to that yearly comeback isn’t just how you treat it while it’s flowering; properly overwintering your jasmine is the real game-changer. Do it right, and you’ll be rewarded with those fragrant blossoms year after year.
The Basics of Jasmine Care
Jasmine isn’t exactly a “diva” plant, but it does have a few non-negotiables. To keep it happy, you’ll want to focus on:
- Picking the perfect sunny spot,
- Using loose, nutrient-rich soil,
- Staying on top of watering and fertilizing,
- And keeping up with regular pruning and repotting.
As long as you nail the ideal location and these basic chores, your jasmine will stay looking its absolute best.
Getting Through the Winter
If you want your jasmine to live a long life, winter care is key. Even if you’re growing your jasmine as a houseplant, it still needs to be moved to a specific “winter home” (usually somewhere cool and bright) to rest. This rest period is exactly what triggers those beautiful new buds in the spring. Pro tip: Grow your jasmine in a pot or container. It makes life so much easier for both you and the plant—no digging it up in the fall or replanting it every spring!
Refreshing Older Plants
As jasmine plants get older, they sometimes get a bit tired and start producing fewer flowers. Don’t worry, though—you can give them a “fountain of youth” treatment! In early spring, before the new growth starts, give the plant a radical prune. I’m talking about cutting the whole thing back by about two-thirds. You might not see many flowers for the next two or three seasons while it recovers, but after that, the plant will bounce back with a spectacular floral show that’s well worth the wait.
A Quick Insider Tip
Don’t save the pruning shears just for the old-timers! Giving any jasmine plant a light trim in the spring encourages it to branch out. More branches mean a bushier plant and, most importantly, way more flowers for you to enjoy.
