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Jasminum nudiflorum
winter jasmine
Northern China — Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces; rocky slopes and ravines
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Overview
Jasminum nudiflorum is winter jasmine (naked jasmine), a spreading deciduous shrub growing 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 m) wide with long arching to trailing green angular stems. Bright yellow 6-petaled flowers 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) on bare green stems in January-March. Not fragrant — despite the jasmine name. Dark green trifoliate leaves with small leaflets 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm). In Oleaceae. Native to northern China. The long arching stems root where they touch the ground (layering), spreading the plant — this self-layering can make the plant difficult to contain. This is the primary maintenance limitation. The trailing habit is neither upright shrub nor true vine — the stems scramble and mound rather than climb. Can be trained against a wall or allowed to cascade over a retaining wall. Tolerates alkaline soil (pH to 8.0). Drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 6-10. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to northern China — Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces. Found on rocky slopes and ravines.Suggested Uses
Grown cascading over retaining walls, trained on walls, as a bank cover, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), spaced 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 m). Late winter yellow bloom. Not fragrant. Self-layers — may spread. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 6-10.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread4' - 7'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Late winter to early spring (January-March). Bright yellow 6-petaled flowers 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) on bare green stems. Not fragrant. 6 weeks of bloom. Few insect visitors in winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 6-petaled, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) diameter, single, on green stems before leaves emerge; not fragrant — despite the name jasmineFoliage Description
Dark green, trifoliate with small leaflets 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm); turns yellow in fall; the green angular stems are visible year-roundGrowing 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
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours). Any well-drained soil pH 6.0-8.0 — tolerates clay and alkaline conditions. Drought-tolerant once established. Stems root where they touch ground — contain spread if needed. Prune after flowering (April). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 6-10.Pruning
Prune after flowering (April) — blooms on old (previous season's) wood. Cut back flowered stems by 1/3-1/2 to encourage new growth for next year's bloom. Remove rooted stem tips (layered sections) to control spread. Can be trained on a wall by tying stems to supports.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons