Winter jasmine

Profile

Family

Oleaceae

Habit

Climber

Height

3.3 m

Spread

4 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

20 years

First yield

after 3 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

full shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

6 – 7.5

Synonyms

Jasminum sieboldianum

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Medicinal: In TCM, leaves and flowers of winter jasmine are used externally, such as in facial creams and masks to treat redness and swelling. Baths and rinses with the leaves are also believed to help with itching and promote the healing of skin fissures.

Other uses: A good soil stabilizer for steep slopes that thrives in shady locations. The spreading branches make it an excellent ground cover plant. Plant spacing should be around 1.8 meters. Winter jasmine is suitable as a ground cover and for erosion control due to its low-lying branches, particularly on slopes. Its ability to stabilize the soil is useful for erosion control. As a climbing plant, winter jasmine can grow upwards with proper support on trellises, pergolas, or walls, greening vertical surfaces. Symbolism and cultural significance: In China, winter jasmine is known as "Yingchun," meaning "flower that welcomes spring." Its early blooming period symbolizes hope and renewal.

Growing

Landscaping: arbor, cascades, erosion control, foundation, ground cover, mounding, privacy screen, standard tree. Thrives in good, well-draining clay soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers rich soil and a sunny location but also thrives in shade, even against a north-facing wall. Tolerates very poor soils, whether acidic or alkaline. Can withstand urban pollution. Highly decorative plant, cold-hardy to about -15°C. In severe winters, occasional dieback of branches and damage to flowers may occur, but new blooms usually form in warmer weather. A winter-flowering plant that blooms mainly on wood grown in the previous summer. Pruning can be done in early to mid-spring after flowering. Removing a third of the oldest branches to the ground rejuvenates the plant and promotes a more abundant bloom. Uncut plants tend to become woody and tangled with dead stems. Flowers delicately scent of moss. This species does not produce seeds in gardens, possibly because all cultivated plants originate from a single import. An ideal plant for shady walls and slopes. Plants of this genus are particularly resistant to honey fungus. Not native to North America, attractive flowers.

Propagation

Sow seeds in a cold frame immediately after they ripen. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots and keep them in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant them in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, at their final location. Take cuttings from semi-hardwood in July/August. Take cuttings from hardwood in November. Layering.

Origin & habitat

East Asia - Western China. Established in France.

Moist to very dry areas from sea level to near the tree-line in the Rocky mountains. The best specimens are found on well-drained deep loamy soils with plenty of moisture.

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