What Zones Does Jasmine Grow In? A Guide to Growing This Fragrant Vine

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There aren’t any true zone 5 jasmine plants, so if you live in a northern climate, you don’t have many options for hardy zone 5 jasmine plants. If you give cold-hardy jasmine, like winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), a lot of winter protection, it may be able to grow in USDA plant hardiness zone 6. But this is a risky business because zone 5 winters are very harsh, and even the hardiest jasmine plants might not make it through. Read on for more information about growing jasmine in zone 5.

With its intoxicating fragrance and dainty star-shaped blooms, jasmine is one of the most beloved garden vines. But not all jasmines can thrive in every climate. So what zones can you expect jasmine to grow in?

Jasmine is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it prefers warm conditions. Most jasmine varieties grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Some are marginally hardy to Zone 6 if given protection, while a select few can survive Zone 5 winters.

Here’s a deeper look at how different jasmine types fare in various climates across the United States.

Warm Climate Varieties

Tropical jasmines like Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) and star jasmine (J. multiflorum) thrive in Zones 9-11. They may survive Zone 8b winters if protected. These jasmines bloom nearly year-round where temperatures stay above 50°F. Grow them in Zone 8 and colder areas as outdoor plants in summer and houseplants in winter.

Other heat-loving jasmines include:

  • Primrose jasmine (J. mesnyi) Zones 8-10

  • Angel wing jasmine (J. nitidum): Zones 10-11

  • Confederate jasmine (J. headed): Zones 8-10

These jasmines bloom in spring and summer. They require indoor overwintering in all but the warmest climates.

Versatile Varieties for Zones 7-9

Many popular jasmines thrive across a wide swath of warm and subtropical climates. These are good choices for Zones 7-9 gardens.

Spanish jasmine (J. azoricum) and Italian jasmine (J. humile) both bloom in summer with a sweet intense fragrance. They can reach up to 20 feet tall as vine-like shrubs.

Other jasmines suitable for Zone 7-9 include:

  • Carolina jasmine (J. nudiflorum): Fast-growing vine to 20 feet. Yellow winter blooms.

  • Madagascar jasmine (J. lanceolarium): Shrub reaching 10 feet tall. Fragrant white blooms in summer.

  • Showy jasmine (J. floridum) Semi-evergreen vine climbing to 20 feet Pink summer blooms

  • Japanese jasmine (J. polyanthum): Quickly covers fences and arbors with vines reaching 15 feet long. White spring blooms.

With minimal winter protection, these jasmines thrive across warm climates in the southern and western United States.

Cold-Hardy Varieties for Zones 5-6

While tropical jasmines languish in cold conditions, a few exotic varieties can cope with surprising cold. These are the best choices for Zones 5-6 gardens.

Winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum) is the most cold-tolerant type. An arching shrub, it blooms with yellow flowers in late winter, often pushing through snow. Protect the roots to help it survive Zone 5 winters.

Chinese jasmine (J. udicandrum) is a semi-evergreen vine hardy to Zone 6. It blooms twice a year with light yellow flowers. Give it sheltered location.

Himalayan jasmine (J. officinale) survives temperatures as low as -10°F when established. Plant this white-flowered vine on a protected wall or fence.

Though they may need some protection, these jasmines expand your options for growing this beloved vine even in cold northern gardens.

Caring for Jasmine by Zone

Jasmine care does vary slightly depending on your climate zone. Here are some key tips:

Zones 7-9

  • Plant in spring after the last frost.

  • Prune after flowering to control size and shape.

  • Water 1-2 times per week in absence of rain.

  • Fertilize in early spring and midsummer.

  • Mulch roots in fall for insulation.

Zones 5-6

  • Plant in early fall to establish before winter.

  • Prune any dead stems in early spring after new growth emerges.

  • Water deeply 1-2 times per week.

  • Fertilize lightly in early spring.

  • Heavily mulch roots and wrap vines before winter.

Zones 3-4

  • Grow jasmine in pots and overwinter indoors.

  • Repot every 2-3 years in spring.

  • Water when soil surface feels dry.

  • Fertilize monthly during growth with blossom booster.

  • Move outdoors after danger of frost has passed.

Adjusting your care by zone helps keep jasmine happy despite climate differences.

With its sweet scent and cheerful flowers, jasmine adds beauty and fragrance to gardens across diverse climates. Give it the right care and even northern gardeners can enjoy this graceful vine. Just be sure to select varieties suited to your zone for the best results.

what zones does jasmine grow in

Winterizing Cold Hardy Jasmine

As mentioned above, jasmine may not survive winters in zone 5, which can plummet to -20 degrees F. (-29 C. ). If you decide to try growing jasmine in zone 5, the plants will require plenty of winter protection. Even winter jasmine, which tolerates temperatures as cold as 0 degrees F. (-18 C. ), certainly won’t make it through a tough zone 5 winter without adequate cover to protect the roots. Jasmine for zone 5 need at least 6 inches (15 cm. ) of protection in the form of straw, chopped leaves, or shredded hardwood mulch. You can also trim the plant to about 6 inches (15 cm. ) and then wrap it in an insulating blanket or burlap. Keep in mind that a sheltered, southern-facing planting location provides a degree of winter protection.

Growing Jasmine in Zone 5

Zone 5 jasmine plants will only make it through the winter if they are grown in pots and brought inside before the weather gets cold. Some tips: Bring container-grown jasmine indoors for a few hours every day for a few weeks before the first frost is expected to help it get used to the cold. Place jasmine in a bright, south-facing window. If your home doesn’t get a lot of natural light in the winter, add fluorescent lights or special grow lights to make up for it. If possible, place the jasmine in a kitchen or bathroom where the air tends to be more humid. If not, put the pot on a tray with wet pebbles on top to make the area around the plant more humid. Be sure the bottom of the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water. In the spring, move the plant outside when you’re sure there is no longer any risk of frost. At first, leave it outside for only a few hours a day until it gets used to the cooler air.

How to grow Star Jasmine (Confederate Jasmine) with a detailed description

FAQ

Will jasmine survive in zone 6?

Hardy in zones 6 to 9, winter jasmine has yellow flowers that are not as fragrant as other jasmine.

Is jasmine winter hardy?

In freezing climates, it’s a deciduous vine and can be grown outside down to 0°F. The trick is the depth of the cold. If the cold dip is moderate and doesn’t remain at zero for long, your jasmine will survive the winter without protection.

Where does jasmine grow best?

Where to plant jasmine – Jasmine will grow well in full sun to partial shaded areas. Summer-flowering jasmine does better in a sunny spot, while other varieties, such as winter jasmine, like a more shaded area. Soils that jasmine thrive in – Jasmine needs well-drained but moist, moderately fertile sandy loamy soil.

What zone is best for jasmine?

Arabian Jasmine can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

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