Star Jasmine is a total fan favorite in the gardening world, and it’s easy to see why—those gorgeous, fragrant white blooms are hard to beat! But if you want your plant to bounce back and wow you again next year, you’ve got to make sure it survives the winter chill.
Star Jasmine and Cold Weather
Originally, Star Jasmine hails from tropical forests in Asia. In those neck of the woods, they never have to deal with the kind of freezing temperatures we see here. Because of those tropical roots, Star Jasmine isn’t naturally hardy, so it needs a little extra TLC from us to make it through the colder months.
How to Overwinter Your Star Jasmine
When it comes to getting your plant through the winter, you’ve basically got two options:
- Moving it into a protected indoor winter “dorm”
- Or, if you live in a very mild climate, trying to keep it outdoors.
Finding the Perfect Indoor Spot
Ideally, you should bring your Star Jasmine inside for the winter. The goal is to find a bright, sunny spot that stays cool—somewhere between 45°F and 60°F (8 to 15°C) is the sweet spot. Great options include:
- A sunroom or conservatory
- A bright hallway or stairwell
- Or even a guest bedroom that you keep on the cooler side.
Try to avoid standard living areas, like your family room. These spots are usually way too warm for the plant to properly rest during the winter.
Keeping it Outdoors
If you live somewhere with very mild winters, you might be able to leave your Star Jasmine outside. If you go this route, you’ll need to bundle it up! Use frost blankets, burlap sacks, and a nice thick layer of mulch at the base. Just a heads-up: there’s always a risk of frost damage or losing the plant entirely if a cold snap hits.
Winter Care Tips
Even while it’s resting, your Star Jasmine still needs a little attention. You’ll need to water it occasionally, though much less often than during the summer growing season. You can skip the fertilizer entirely until spring. Also, keep a close eye out for pests—sometimes they like to hitch a ride into your winter storage area!
Caring for Young Plants
If you’ve been busy growing new Star Jasmine from seeds or cuttings, these little guys need even more protection. Keep your “babies” in a warm, bright spot indoors. Don’t even think about planting them in the garden until the very last threat of frost has passed in the spring. For the first few weeks outside, it’s a good idea to protect them with some garden fleece or bubble wrap just in case the nighttime temperatures dip.
