Winter Jasmine—also known by its botanical name *Jasminum nudiflorum*—originally hails from East Asia and Northern China. It made its way to Europe in the 19th century and has since become a total staple for gardeners who want to keep their yards looking lively during the chilly months.
Bloom Time
When most people think of flowers, they picture a lush spring garden. But Winter Jasmine is a bit of a rebel! It brightens up the cold season, usually starting its show of cheerful yellow blossoms in January. If the weather stays mild, you might even see some blooms as early as December, and they can stick around all the way through April.
One cool thing about this plant is that the flowers don’t all open at once. They stagger their blooming over several months, which is actually a clever way the plant protects itself from a sudden deep freeze. Just a heads-up, though: unlike some of its cousins, these yellow flowers don’t have a scent.
Because it’s such a versatile grower, you have tons of options for styling it. You can plant it in a container, let it spread out as a groundcover, or give it a trellis to help it climb.
Protecting the Blooms
While Winter Jasmine is incredibly hardy when it comes to the cold, the delicate flowers themselves can freeze and drop off if a heavy frost hits. Don’t worry—the plant will grow them back—but here are a few tips to help your jasmine stay happy and protected:
- Pick a spot that gets full sun to partial shade.
- A location sheltered from harsh winds is ideal.
- Use some garden fleece or brushwood for extra protection during its first year in the ground.
The Fruit of the Winter Jasmine
Occasionally, you might see small, egg-shaped berries on your plant. A word of caution here: these are definitely not for eating! They don’t taste good, and more importantly, Winter Jasmine contains substances that can be toxic in high concentrations. These are most concentrated in the berries, so it’s best to just admire them from a distance.
The Rest of the Year
Once the blooming wraps up, it’s the perfect time to give your Winter Jasmine a trim. This is right when the leaves start to sprout. The foliage stays green until autumn, dropping off just before the next round of flowers arrives. Even when the leaves are gone, the branches themselves stay green, giving the plant a lovely evergreen look all year round.
