Jasminum nudiflorum - Winter jasmine

Jasminum nudiflorum, commonly known as the Winter Jasmine, chooses the heart of winter to bloom, as its name suggests. Many small flowers with a very bright lemon-yellow colour, like little suns, then open on its naked branches. The slender stems of this woody climbing shrub will be trained, or better yet, it will be planted at the top of a wall from where it will cascade in long drapes. This jasmine, very hardy and undemanding, has a place in every garden.

Jasminum nudiflorum belongs to the Oleaceae family and is native to China. This vigorous woody climbing shrub has moderately fast growth and presents a diffuse, somewhat anarchic habit. Its stiff branches can reach a length of 3m (10ft), and the plant can measure over 2.5m (8ft) in all directions. The branches are green and square in cross-section, and they do not cling spontaneously to a support, they need to be trained. An alternative is to prune it after flowering: it will then form a large bush measuring 1.5m (5ft) in all directions. Flowering starts in January in mild climates and can last until March depending on the region. The plant produces solitary, tubular corolla flowers, single, with a diameter of 2cm (1in). They are a pure and brilliant yellow but without fragrance. The foliage is deciduous, it falls in autumn and reappears in spring just after flowering. It is made up of small, 3cm (1in) long, bright green leaves.

If guided in its growth, the Winter Jasmine climbs on shrubs, trellises, arches, pergolas, stair railings or balconies. It can be wise to plant it at the top of a wall, from which it will cascade in drapes: this avoids the need for extensive training. If, on the other hand, it is maintained through pruning, it forms a beautiful bush, which can be interesting in a wild hedge. To accompany it, spring bulbs can be planted at its base, or hellebores.