January's Plant of the Month -

Jasminum nudiflorum 

-winter jasmine

by Adrienne Roethling,

Director of Curation and Mission Delivery

Jasminum nudiflorum is a woody shrub-like plant with arching stems.  It’s native to China where it flowers in the winter months, hence the common name “Winter Jasmine.”  

 

              In the Piedmont region of North Carolina, winter jasmine begins flowering as early as November and continues through February, flowers peak in January.  Reddish buds open to yellow, tubular flowers about an inch in size and cover the bare, arching green stems.  In summer, leaves are produced in multiples of three and remain green until winter.  Plants mature fast reaching 3-4’ tall by 6-7’ wide in three years.  Arching stems tend to root which could easily be dug and share with friends or moved to other areas of the garden.  Winter jasmine does equally well in partial shade to full sun and will grow best in moderate, even poor soils.  This is a great plant to grow on slopes, banks and over a wall where arching stems could cascade to 10-15’ long.  It is easily adaptable, pest and disease free and can be pruned for to reduce size and vigor.

             

              Join or renew your garden membership during the month of January and your name will be included in a drawing for a complimentary Jasminum nudiflorum.