I have a question about the common jasmine plant. Can it be planted in a pot and left on the patio all year round? It will be attached to a fixed trellis. What should we do to protect the plant in the winter?
We live in Langley BC, so our weather is quite similar to yours.
The American Horticulture Society’s A to Z Plant Encyclopedia reports that Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is only hardy to zone 9. (Seattle is zone 8, Langley may be a touch cooler)
However, local author (I believe she lives in BC) Christine Allen reports that Jasminum officinale, also known as poet’s jasmine, is hardy in our climate if protected from cold, drying winter winds. I think if you move your pot against a wall out of the wind you should be ok.
How can I find out about the best way to care for a jasmine plant indoors. The plant is without a species name and I know there are many types of jasmine. Mine has rather robust leaves, and is an active “entwiner”. The flowers are white and about the size of a nickel.
The Houseplant Encyclopedia by Ingrid Jantra (Firefly Books, 1997) says that Jasminum likes a full sun, airy location, and should be taken outdoors in summer. During the winter it prefers temperatures of 46-50 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer, keep the root ball moist, and feed every two weeks. In winter, water just enough to keep the plant from drying out. If it is kept in too warm a spot in winter, it may be susceptible to aphids.
Here is some information from British gardener Alan Titchmarsh:
- Flower time up to 6 weeks
- Which room? east or west window, south in winter
- Temperature max 15C (60F), min 4C (40F), humid
The house plant jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) bears loose sprays of delightfully fragrant flowers. It is an ideal plant for a cool conservatory or porch which is kept frost free during the winter months. Otherwise, keep it on a well-lit windowsill. Jasmines like a moist atmosphere so mist the leaves regularly and stand the pot on a tray of moist gravel. They are vigorous climbers, so you will need to prune them to keep them small or provide a larger support in subsequent years.
Here is a link to some general information on caring for jasmine plants, from the Chicago Botanic Garden.