What is the difference between summer and winter jasmine?

Summer jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a twining, fragrant climber flowering June to September, while winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a sprawling, unscented shrub flowering on bare stems from November to February.

Is star jasmine hardy in the UK?

Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is only borderline hardy, rated RHS H4, so it needs a sheltered, sunny wall in most of the UK and protection from hard frosts, particularly when young.

Does winter jasmine need a support to climb?

Winter jasmine does not climb by twining or clinging; it has a lax, arching habit and needs to be tied to a support or allowed to trail over a wall or bank.

When should I prune summer jasmine?

Prune summer jasmine after flowering finishes, typically in early autumn, thinning congested stems and trimming to control size without cutting too hard.

Can jasmine be grown in a container?

Yes, jasmine grows well in large containers with good drainage, which is especially useful for star jasmine as pots can be moved to shelter during cold winters.

Why has my jasmine stopped flowering?

Poor flowering is often due to insufficient sunlight, incorrect pruning timing, or lack of feed. Ensure the plant gets a sunny position and apply a potash-rich feed during the growing season.

How to Grow Jasmine: UK Care Guide

Jasmine brings scented flowers to UK gardens, but the right species depends on your climate and site. Summer jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a hardy, fragrant climber for a sunny wall, winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) offers cheerful yellow flowers in the coldest months, while star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) needs a sheltered spot due to its more borderline hardiness.

Key takeaways

Summer jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is fully hardy and highly fragrant, flowering June to September.
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) flowers on bare stems from November to February and needs no support to scramble.
Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is only borderline hardy and needs a sheltered, sunny wall in most of the UK.
Prune summer jasmine after flowering; prune winter jasmine after flowering finishes in spring.
All types benefit from a warm, sheltered position and free-draining soil.

Attribute	Detail
Botanical name	Jasminum officinale, Jasminum nudiflorum, Trachelospermum jasminoides
Plant type	Climber (deciduous or evergreen depending on species)
Height & spread	Up to 3-9m depending on species
Hardiness	RHS H5-H6 for true jasmine; H4 for star jasmine
Position	Full sun, sheltered from cold winds
Soil	Fertile, well-drained
Flowering/interest period	Summer (officinale), winter (nudiflorum), summer (star jasmine)
Difficulty	Easy to moderate depending on species

Choosing varieties

Jasmine sold in the UK covers several distinct species, so check the botanical name carefully before buying, as care and hardiness differ significantly.

Variety	Type	Flowering time	Notes
Jasminum officinale	Summer jasmine	June-September	Fully hardy, strongly scented white flowers
Jasminum officinale 'Argenteovariegatum'	Summer jasmine	June-September	Variegated foliage, still fragrant
Jasminum nudiflorum	Winter jasmine	November-February	No scent, bright yellow, self-clinging habit needs tying in
Trachelospermum jasminoides	Star jasmine	June-August	Evergreen, needs sheltered wall, not truly hardy everywhere
Jasminum x stephanense	Summer jasmine hybrid	June-July	Pale pink flowers, vigorous

Supports and where to plant

Summer jasmine and star jasmine twine and need trellis, wires or netting on a warm, sheltered, south or south-west facing wall. Winter jasmine has a lax, sprawling habit and does not climb by itself, so stems must be tied in to a support or allowed to cascade over a bank or wall. In colder or exposed parts of the UK, grow star jasmine against a warm wall or in a pot that can be moved under cover in winter. See our plants section for more climbing plant ideas.

How to plant jasmine

Choose a sheltered, sunny site, ideally against a south or west-facing wall.
Improve the soil with well-rotted organic matter, ensuring good drainage.
Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball, around 30-40cm from the support.
Plant at the same depth as in the pot and backfill firmly.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Tie in young stems to their support, angling them towards it.
Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots over winter.

Watering and feeding

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons, especially in dry weather, and continue watering established plants in prolonged drought. Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, and apply a potash-rich feed such as a tomato feed during summer to boost flowering. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and protect roots.

Pruning

Prune summer jasmine after flowering in early autumn, thinning congested growth and shortening overly long stems, taking care not to cut too hard as flowers form on the current season's growth from the previous year. Winter jasmine should be pruned immediately after flowering finishes in spring, cutting flowered shoots back hard to encourage new growth for the following winter. Star jasmine needs only light trimming in spring to control size and shape, as it flowers on new growth.

Propagation

Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer from all three types, using a free-draining compost and providing warmth and humidity until rooted. Winter jasmine can also be propagated easily by layering, as its trailing stems root readily where they touch the soil.

Growing jasmine in pots

Jasmine, particularly star jasmine, grows well in pots at least 40cm wide with good drainage, using a loam-based compost such as John Innes No.3. Containers allow tender types to be moved to a sheltered spot, porch or greenhouse over winter in colder regions. Water more frequently than border plants and feed fortnightly through the growing season.

Common problems

Problem	Symptom	Fix
Aphids	Sticky residue and distorted new growth	Encourage natural predators, wash off with water
Frost damage	Blackened leaves and shoot tips, especially star jasmine	Grow in a sheltered spot, protect with fleece in cold snaps
Scale insects	Small brown bumps on stems, sticky leaves	Wipe off with a cloth, encourage natural predators
Poor flowering	Few or no flowers	Increase sunlight, feed with potash-rich fertiliser

Month-by-month care calendar

Month	Task
January-February	Enjoy winter jasmine flowers, protect star jasmine from hard frost
March	Prune winter jasmine after flowering, apply feed
April-May	Tie in new growth, watch for aphids
June-August	Enjoy summer jasmine and star jasmine flowers, water in dry spells
September	Prune summer jasmine after flowering
October-December	Mulch for winter protection, watch for frost damage