Jasminum, Genus, mesnyi, Species,
- Genus & species
Primrose jasmine
Southwestern China and northern Vietnam
Overview
Jasminum mesnyi is an evergreen, arching shrub in the Oleaceae, native to southwestern China and northern Vietnam. It reaches 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) tall with a spread of 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m), and long, slender, four-angled green stems that root where they touch the soil. Stems can be trained on a trellis to 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m). Leaves are opposite and trifoliate, with lance-shaped to elliptic leaflets 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, glossy dark green above. Flowers are borne singly in the leaf axes on the previous year's stems. Each flower is 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, bright yellow, with six to ten overlapping petals that give a semi-double form, and has no fragrance. Fruits are black berries about 0.4 inch (1 cm) across and form rarely in cultivation. The species is evergreen in USDA zones 8–10 and loses leaves after temperatures drop below 15°F (-9°C). Spreading stems occupy wide areas without pruning, and stems that touch the soil root to form thickets.
Native Range
Southwestern China (Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan) and northern Vietnam, in forest margins and thickets at 1,000–2,500 meters (3,300–8,200 feet).Suggested Uses
Used as a flowering shrub on slopes, banks, and walls, spaced 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) apart. Trained on trellises and fences, and grown in large containers of 15 gallons (57 L) or more.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from late winter through spring (February–April), with peak bloom in March. Bloom lasts 6–8 weeks, with sporadic flowers in summer. Each flower opens for 5–7 days. Flowers form on stems produced the previous season, so late pruning removes buds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to part shade, with 4–8 hours of direct light, in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Established plants tolerate dry periods and are watered every 10–14 days in drought. Balanced fertilizer is applied in early spring at the label rate for shrubs. Stems rooting at the nodes are cut from the soil to limit spread. Cold below 15°F (-9°C) damages stems, and plants regrow from the base in zone 8. Mulch 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) deep retains soil moisture during summer.Pruning
Pruning is done immediately after flowering, in April–May, because flower buds form on the previous year's growth. Up to one-third of the oldest stems is cut to the base each year to renew the shrub. Stems that touch the ground are cut back to maintain a clear perimeter.Pruning Schedule
Prune: April–May
late spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons
