Will my young jasmine survive outside?

[BeowulfIII]

Hi, I live in London and have just bought a small jasmine. I would like to plant it outside as it is a climbing variety and I am hoping it will spread over the back fence. I know they like a lot of water but will it do well in a shady spot next to a compost bin? Also, will it survive the winter and any february frosts? Is it best to wait for Spring?

Thanks in advance for any replies, I suspect these are pretty naive qs!!

[Paul mabbott]

Depends upon which jasmine it is. There are (at least) two hardy jasmines Jasminum nudiflorum is the yellow-flowered winter jasmine now in flower in gardens (or going over) which is, obviously, very hardy. The white (or pinkish) J. officinale summer-flowering summer jasmine is certainly hardy in London. However J. polyanthum the sweetly-scented, white flowered jasmine which is sold by garden centres &c at this time of year is not reliably hardy in UK winters.
Having said that, I did get one to grow for several years in a very sheltered site in London - it finally succumbed to a very cold winter (perhaps would have done better if I'd given it extra protection?). I should also say that it didn't flower outdoors ....

[aeshna5]

Do you know which species of jamine you have as there are several hardy species which are regularly cultivated in gardens, as well as some more tender forms more suited to a conservatory.

Winter Jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum with yellow flowers out now is tough as old boots. The most popular scented summer flowering plant is J. officinale + this too is fairly tough, but it may be prudent to give some protection if weather turns cold, as this coming week. Depends really if it's been grown outside or not.

J. beesianum is another fairly common climber with small reddish flowers + is hardy. There are other shrubby jasmines such as J. humile with attractive yellow flowers, but this is not what you have, if yours is a climber.

J. polyanthum is often sold as a pot plant + this is quite tender.

Good luck anyway.

[BeowulfIII]

Thanks v much for the replies. Unfortunately, I have gone and bought J. polyanthum so I think I may leave this one inside and purchase another. Just one further question, in your opinions, which of the other varieties mentioned (ie J. nudiflorum, J. beesianum or J. officinale) will flower the easiest and provide that incredible Jasmine scent to a garden?

Thanks again!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by BeowulfIII

Thanks v much for the replies. Unfortunately, I have gone and bought J. polyanthum so I think I may leave this one inside and purchase another. Just one further question, in your opinions, which of the other varieties mentioned (ie J. nudiflorum, J. beesianum or J. officinale) will flower the easiest and provide that incredible Jasmine scent to a garden?

Thanks again!

J. officinale is the best hardy jasmine for scent; it is available in variegated as well as normal green type. The scent of white flowers cascading over support is truely delicious. The other hardy species don't have an obvious smell to my nose.