Jasminum mesnyi - Primrose Jasmine

Jasminum mesnyi (synonym J. primulinum) is known by the lovely name of Primrose Jasmine, perhaps because of the resemblance of its yellow flowers to those of wild primroses and because they bloom like them, as early as the end of winter. This floriferous botanical species is also appreciated for its beautiful presence in the garden throughout the year: its broad, dense, and shiny dark green foliage persists in winter in mild climates and perfectly enhances the trumpet-shaped flowers, often semi-double and large for a jasmine. It is a beautiful plant that can be pruned as a bush or trained on a support. Outside of the mildest areas, this jasmine can be grown without difficulty in a large pot, to be stored away in winter to enjoy its flowering, which is sensitive to frost.

The Primrose Jasmine belongs to the olive family. It is native to China (Yunnan province) and Vietnam. In nature, this plant grows on rocky slopes or in thickets, in rather harsh conditions. Not very hardy, this jasmine can be grown in the ground in areas where the temperature does not drop below -10°C/-12°C (10.4°F) for short periods, but its growth and flowering will be affected from -5°C (23°F).

This vigorous bush has rapid growth and a diffuse habit. Its long, stiff, green, and square-sectioned branches do not naturally cling to a support, they need to be trained. An alternative is to prune it after flowering: it will then form a large, dense bush about 1.5m (5ft) in all directions. Flowering begins in February in mild climates and can last until April. Sometimes there is a slight second bloom in autumn, weather permitting. The plant produces solitary flowers with tubular corollas, single or semi-double, measuring 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. They are a pure and bright yellow, with a very subtle fragrance. The abundant foliage is composed of leaves divided into 3 large ovate leaflets, dark green and shiny. It will persist on the plant until -7°C (19.4°F), in a sheltered position from the wind.

If guided in its growth, Jasminum mesnyi climbs on shrubs, trellises, arches, pergolas, stair railings, or balconies in favourable climates. It may be wise to plant it at the top of a wall, from which it will cascade down in drapes: this avoids the need for extensive training. If, on the other hand, it is maintained through pruning, it forms a beautiful dense bush, which is preferable when grown in a pot and will need to be brought indoors for the winter. Place it on the terrace during the summer, and you can enjoy its generous winter flowering in the conservatory or greenhouse. To accompany it, you could choose, for example, a small-flowered clematis florida ('Alba Plena', 'Bicolor' or 'Cassis') or a winter-flowering evergreen clematis like Clematis cirrhosa.