What Zone Is a Confederate Jasmine?

Planting Zones

• Confederate jasmine is hardy in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 10. The plants can survive temperatures as low as 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, found in much of zone 8. With cold protection, the plants may be hardy in parts of zone 7, where the average low temperature may get as low as 0 degrees F. While zones 8 through 10 encompass the southern tier of states, many parts of states bordering the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are well within the temperature requirements for growing confederate jasmine.

Microclimates

• Under the influence of both natural and man-made forces such as topography, buildings and open areas, microclimates can occur almost anywhere. A microclimate is a small area that has normal temperatures different from temperatures in the surrounding area. Microclimates may encompass an area as large as a county, or as small as a backyard. Not all microclimates are on the hardiness zone map drawn by The National Arboretum, but your county Extension Service office may be able to tell you if your garden is in a microclimate conducive to growing confederate jasmine. Not all microclimates are warmer than the surrounding area. Brewton, a town south Alabama, is as cold as areas 200 miles to the north because of a microclimate. Upper regions of slopes may be warmer than surrounding areas because cold air drains downward.

Cultivation

• Confederate jasmine, an evergreen, prefers fertile, well-drained soil. The plant grows best in temperatures that do not fall below 40 degrees F. for extended periods of time. Plant in full sun to partial shade and fertilize using a formula made for acid-loving plants. Container-grown plants may be set in the garden any time during the growing season. To promote strong, healthy vines, prune straggly areas after the plant finishes blooming in late spring. You can prune weak or damaged shoots in spring, after all danger of frost has passed. A twining vine, confederate jasmine climbs by encircling upright supports. Twining vines tend to circle in one direction and may be damaged if you try to force them to twine in another direction.

Considerations

• To avoid concern about frost and hardiness zones, simply grow confederate jasmine in containers, indoors or out. Prune to keep the vine under control in containers, or let the plant trail out of the container. Indoors, you can train jasmine to a miniature trellis in the pot, or let it grow up and around a window as a living frame. Keep potted confederate jasmine moist but not soggy, and feed monthly with liquid plant flood. If freezing temperatures threaten, take patio containers indoors until the danger passes.

Tips

• Plant confederate jasmine on either side of an entry, or allow the plant to twine around a pergola or garden arbor. Since the plant can tolerate some shade, you can let it twine around the trunks of trees, like pines, that do not have dense canopies that block out all sun.