A variety of species that belong to very different plant families are traded under the name “jasmine”. Whether a jasmine is hardy or not depends on the species. True jasmine is never hardy, while false jasmine and other plants known as jasmine can tolerate freezing temperatures.
Is jasmine hardy?
Is a jasmine hardy or not depends on the species: True jasmine (Jasminum) is not hardy and requires frost protection, while false jasmine (Philadelphus) is hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -25°C.
Real jasmine or false jasmine?
It is not always possible to tell whether a plant is real or false jasmine. Only the botanical name allows a conclusion. If it begins with “Jasminum”, the plant is one of the true jasmine species. The botanical name of false jasmine or pipe bush begins with “Philadelphus”.
Most of the time the name is not known. In this case, you can ask an experienced gardener. If the plant forms climbing tendrils, you are usually looking at a real jasmine.
If you are not sure, plant the shrub in a container. Then you can more easily overwinter it indoors.
Overwinter real jasmine frost-free
Real jasmine can spend the summer in a pot on the terrace or balcony.
As soon as the temperatures start to drop in autumn, bring the bucket into the house. Overwinter it in a location that is cool but frost-free and bright.
If you don't have a bright location available, a dark basement will suffice if necessary. Real jasmine loses its leaves during the winter break and sprouts again the next spring.
Remove from winter quarters from March
From March you should slowly get the real jasmine used to its outdoor location again. Place it outside for a few hours on frost-free days.
But he is only allowed to go completely outdoors after the Ice Saints, when there is no longer any risk of frost.
False jasmine or pipe bush is hardy
False jasmine is native to our latitudes and is therefore adapted to winter temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures down to minus 25 degrees without any problems.
Occasionally, some of the above-ground shoots may show frost damage. Simply cut these off in the spring.
When does false jasmine need winter protection?
If the false jasmine was only planted in autumn, you should protect the plant from frost in the first winter. The shrub then did not have enough time to form sufficient roots to provide food.
Cover the ground under the false jasmine with a thick layer of mulch made from
- Compost
- Lawn cutting
- Leaves
- Straw.
In very rough locations, it can also make sense to place reed mats (€38.00 on Amazon) or similar protective materials around the bush.
You should water the plant occasionally on frost-free days, especially if the winter is very dry.
Tip
Jasmine - whether real or not - should not be cut back in autumn. True jasmine is trimmed in spring, while false jasmine is trimmed after flowering.
