WINTER JASMINE

Hello Ian.

I have a neighbour’s wooden fence directly outside of my kitchen window. It is about four feet away from the house and gets quite a lot of sun. Have you any suggestions for a climber that can grow on the fence to cheer it up a bit in winter. Thanks, JJ by e-mail

Reply:

Winter jasmine (Jasminium nudiflorum) would be an ideal choice of climber for the fence. It is a shrub often found around older homes and has stood the test of time very well. The enclosed sunny, sheltered spot will protect the plant from adverse weather.

Mature Height/Spread: This deciduous viny shrub grows to 4 feet high when unsupported, and 7 feet wide. When trained on the fence it can grow to 15 feet. The slender, green stems stand out in the winter landscape. The flowers are unscented, yellow, 1 inch wide, and they appear in winter and early spring before the leaves unfold. I know of a specimen that is still in full flower from late October and shows no sign of giving up just yet

Winter jasmine can also be used as a good bank cover. It spreads by rooting where the stems touch the soil. It is also very attractive when planted above retaining walls, with the branches cascading over the side.

Problems: If plants become infested with spider mites, cut them to the ground after blooming and discard the infested plant material. Feed the crowns to stimulate new growth.

Horticultural.