Not every type of jasmine is built to handle a cold winter outdoors. Knowing which varieties need a cozy spot inside and which ones can brave the frost is key to keeping your plants happy. Here’s the lowdown on how to help your jasmine survive the chilly months.
Which Jasmine Varieties Need to Come Inside?
When it comes to winter hardiness, not all jasmine is created equal. Your winter care routine really depends on exactly what you’re growing. Here’s the rule of thumb:
- True Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is generally not cold-hardy.
- Mock Orange (often called False Jasmine) is tough as nails and handles the cold just fine.
Winterizing Mock Orange (False Jasmine)
Mock Orange is a completely winter-hardy plant. This beauty can actually withstand freezing temperatures down to about -4°F (-20°C) without breaking a sweat. Because of that, you don’t need to worry about moving it to a special winter shelter like you would for True Jasmine. The only exception? If you have jasmine in containers or very young plants, it’s a good idea to give them a little extra protection or mulch to keep the roots safe.
Winterizing True Jasmine
Unlike Mock Orange, True Jasmine isn’t native to cooler climates, which means it’s not winter-hardy in most US zones. If you leave it out in the garden all winter, it likely won’t make it. True Jasmine can start to freeze as soon as the thermometer hits 32°F. To keep it alive, you’ll need to move it into a protected winter home.
Finding the Perfect Winter Spot
Ideally, your jasmine’s winter quarters should be bright and dry. A cool, dry basement can work in a pinch, but the most important thing is that the plant stays away from frost all winter long. Aim for a spot that stays around 50°F (10°C). Avoid keeping it in your living room or on a warm windowsill; the indoor heating is usually too toasty for the plant’s dormant phase.
Winter Care Tips
The good news is that both True Jasmine and Mock Orange are pretty low-maintenance during the winter. Neither needs much fuss, but keep an eye on the water. For Mock Orange, a little drink during particularly dry winters is a good idea. For True Jasmine, make sure the root ball never completely dries out. Skip the fertilizer for both until spring! Once the threat of night frost has passed, you can move your True Jasmine back out to its favorite sunny spot.
