PLANT PROFILE:
Jasminum Nudiflorum, Winter jasmine

The winter jasmine is easily one of the most beloved winter flowering shrubs. It has long-arching, trailing dark green stems and dark green leaves. The leaves are composite each divided into three leaflets. It likes full sun to partial shade in a fertile, well-drained soil. It can be trained against a fence or trellis, but will provide a spectacular show if given the edge of a wall to cascade over.

The most endearing, and cherished aspect of the winter jasmine is that during late February this deciduous shrub, leafless during winter, erupts into full bloom at a time when most gardeners need some reassurance that winter will end soon. Its bright yellow, six petal, flowers could easily be mistaken for forsythia. Flowers will last from midwinter to early spring.

Prune after flowers have faded to keep dense, cutting back to strong buds. When planting consider that one plant can easily spread to ten feet if not pruned regularly.

Every spring after flowers have faded and pruning is done you can apply one inch of organic compost like an aged manure or leaf mold and top with an inch of shredded mulch. This plant is fairly disease resistant and drought tolerant when established. If you see signs of insect damage apply a broad spectrum, organic insecticide. There are many effective organic insecticides that are Chrysanthemum-based available at most garden centers.