Many people assume you need a massive backyard to grow Winter Jasmine, but I’ve got some good news: this beauty actually does great in containers! If you want to enjoy those bright yellow blooms on your patio or balcony, here are my top tips for keeping your potted Winter Jasmine happy and healthy:
- Choose the right pot size
- Find the perfect spot
- Use a climbing support
- Provide a little winter protection
Pot Size
One of the biggest mistakes I see gardeners make is picking a pot that’s too small. Remember, the roots are the “engine room” of your plant—they need plenty of room to stretch out so they can soak up water and nutrients.
At a minimum, you’ll want a container that holds about 10 gallons (40 liters). If you can go bigger, do it! Your jasmine will thank you for the extra legroom. Just make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom. I always recommend adding a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the base for drainage to prevent the roots from getting “wet feet” and rotting.
Location
Whether it’s in the ground or in a pot, Winter Jasmine loves a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. However, container plants are a bit more sensitive to the cold than those in the ground. I suggest placing your pot in a sheltered area, like against a south-facing house wall, to block those biting winter winds.
One quick heads-up: this is definitely not a houseplant! Winter Jasmine needs the outdoor chill to thrive. If you want something for your living room, look into Jasmine polyanthum (Pink Jasmine) instead. That said, if you have an unheated sunroom or a cool greenhouse, Winter Jasmine can do quite well there.
Climbing Support
Technically, you don’t *have* to use a trellis, but I highly recommend it. Without support, Winter Jasmine tends to stay low and bushy, usually topping out at about 3 or 4 feet. With a support system, it can easily reach 6 feet or more! Plus, because this plant has a naturally “weeping” habit, a trellis keeps the branches from flopping over and looking messy.
You can get creative with your supports. Some great options include:
- Garden twine or ropes
- Wooden trellises
- Wire grids
- Climbing spirals
Winter Protection
Even though Winter Jasmine is famous for being hardy, the roots in a container are much more exposed to freezing temps than they would be in the ground. To keep yours safe, tuck it in for the winter by covering the soil with some brushwood or mulch. You should also wrap the pot itself in an insulating material to keep the root ball from freezing solid. Good options include:
- An old blanket
- Bubble wrap
- Horticultural fleece
