Jasminum polyanthum aka Pink Jasmine

Jasminum polyanthum is a twining vine in the olive family. Gardeners know it as pink jasmine or winter jasmine. Its native range runs from south-central China to Myanmar. It comes from a subtropical climate and grows fast. It keeps its leaves in warm conditions. Some garden plants lose part of their foliage. Its thin branches climb supports and can cover walls or fences.

Garden height varies with the site and growing conditions. RHS gives a range of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Oregon State lists plants reaching 20 feet [6 metres]. Chicago describes supported plants reaching 9 feet [2.7 metres]. Mature spread reaches about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size. Leaves grow in opposite pairs along the slender stems. Each pinnate leaf has five to seven pointed leaflets. The end leaflet is the longest. Their upper sides are dark green, with paler undersides.

Long pink buds open into white, star-shaped flowers. The flowers have long tubes and a strong scent. Each bloom measures about an inch [0.02 metres] across. Dense flower clusters reach four inches [0.1 metres] long. Bloom time depends on climate and growing conditions. Chicago lists flowers from January through April. Oregon State reports the heaviest bloom in late winter. RHS notes late-spring flowers outdoors in frost-free climates. Warm glasshouses can bring blooms earlier in the year. Round black fruits form, but plants seldom produce them.

Grow this vine in sun or light shade outdoors. Choose a sheltered spot with soil that drains well. It tolerates poor soil and a range of soil pH. Chicago lists a moderate need for water. RHS recommends bright filtered light for plants grown under glass. Use peat-free, loam-based compost for plants in pots. Its UK hardiness rating is H2; it cannot survive freezing. Chicago lists USDA zones 8–10. It suits pots, borders, greenhouses, and conservatories.

Thin crowded stems after flowering to keep growth in check. Plants under glass may need more pruning to limit size. Aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs can attack indoor plants. Honey fungus is a rare risk. The vine attracts birds and butterflies and resists deer. It can become invasive, chiefly in tropical areas. Ground-running stems root at nodes, and roots form suckers. It has naturalized in Australia and New Zealand.