They call it winter blooming jasmine, and last year it really was. I suppose that technically this year it still is but with spring fast approaching it's almost too late to call it winter, almost. The first bloom happened several days ago but more and more blooms are rapidly opening. Its lateness in flowering is probably due to the extremely cold temperatures we had in February. Despite the tardy blooms seeing color of any kind right now is an exciting event since the flowers and buds on all the plants are fresh and new.
Winter blooming jasmine (Jasmine nudiflorum) is a zone 6-9 plant that is really very easy to grow. It's tolerant of poor soil and will eventually grow into a 6-10 ft. tall bush-like shape. Propagation is about as easy as you would expect with a vine plant. Layering works well because anywhere the plant touches the ground is liable to sprout roots and although I haven't tried cuttings yet they should root very easily. I may try a few after blooming is finished to bring to a plant swap in May.
It won't be long now before the daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring bloomers start to emerge! What's blooming near you?Labels: flowers, Spring Color, vines
