The question of whether jasmine returns year after year is common, driven by its intoxicating fragrance and popular use in gardens. The ability of the plant to survive the winter and return depends entirely on the specific type of jasmine planted and the local environmental conditions it experiences.
Understanding the Different Types of Jasmine
The term “jasmine” is used for several different plants, which is the primary reason for the confusion about its perennial nature. True jasmine belongs to the genus Jasminum, encompassing over 200 species that are predominantly tropical or subtropical perennials. For instance, Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen vine cherished for its clusters of white, highly fragrant flowers. Another frequently grown species is Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac), which is an evergreen shrub often treated as an annual or houseplant in colder regions due to its low tolerance for frost.
A plant commonly mistaken for true jasmine is Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). It is not in the Jasminum genus but is sold widely under the jasmine name due to its similar star-shaped, fragrant flowers. Star Jasmine is an evergreen woody perennial. Identifying the correct botanical name is the most important step, as it dictates the plant’s inherent biology, such as whether it is naturally evergreen or deciduous.
Hardiness Zones and Natural Return
A plant’s ability to return naturally is directly linked to its cold tolerance, which is categorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone system. This system identifies the average minimum winter temperature for a geographical area, defining a plant’s “survival zone.” If a jasmine species is planted within its designated hardiness zone, it can survive the winter outdoors without special protection.
Common Jasmine (J. officinale), for example, is hardy in Zones 7 through 10, meaning it will return each spring in these areas. Winter Jasmine (J. nudiflorum) is even more resilient, surviving naturally in Zones 6 through 9, and is notable for blooming on bare stems in late winter. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is suited for Zones 8 through 10, needing warmer conditions than some true jasmines. Planting a jasmine outside of its established zone, such as growing a Zone 9 Arabian Jasmine in Zone 6, means it will not survive the winter naturally and must be protected or treated as a temporary annual.
Essential Steps for Winterizing Jasmine
Gardeners in areas that fall on the colder edge of a jasmine’s hardiness range or just outside it can take specific actions to ensure the plant’s return. For jasmine planted directly in the ground, a thick layer of organic mulch is one of the most effective protective measures. Applying three to six inches of shredded hardwood, straw, or leaves around the plant’s base insulates the root zone from extreme temperature fluctuations and hard freezes. This mulch layer should not be piled directly against the plant’s stem, as this can encourage rot and pest issues.
In colder climates that experience brief, intense cold snaps, covering the plant with a frost blanket or burlap can prevent damage to the foliage and stems. This temporary covering should be removed once the extreme cold passes to allow for proper air circulation and light exposure. For jasmine grown in containers, the easiest and most effective winterizing method is moving the plant indoors before the first hard frost.
When moved indoors, the plant should be placed in a bright, cool location, ideally a south-facing window. Watering should be significantly reduced to allow the plant to enter a period of semi-dormancy, and it should not be fertilized. Temperatures should remain cool, ideally between 40°F and 60°F at night. Pruning should be performed in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins, which helps shape the plant and encourages robust new shoots. A slow and gradual transition back outdoors in the spring, after the danger of frost is completely gone, is required to prevent shock.