How to Winterize Common Jasmine

Outdoor Winterizing

• 1

  Plant common jasmine in a south-facing bed near a fence or wall. The wall provides protection from winter winds while reflecting the warmth of the sun onto the plant during colder weather.

• 2

  Prune jasmine in late summer after it finishes flowering, but before the end of August. Outdoor common jasmine only requires pruning to maintain the desired shape or size and to trim out dead and damaged branches. Pruning after August may encourage tender new growth that is more prone to frost damage.

• 3

  Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch on the ground around the base of the plant, covering the entire root zone in a mulch layer. Mulch provides insulation to the roots, which helps them survive winter.

• 4

  Cut back cold-damaged branches and vines in early spring when the buds begin to swell on the plant. Remove only dead and damaged wood, cutting the damaged portions back to a healthy bud.

Indoor Winterization

• 5

  Prune potted jasmine severely in late summer. Remove up to half the shrub to maintain its desired shape and size. Make each pruning cut within 1/4 inch of a leaf or bud to encourage fuller branching.

• 6

  Bring the pot onto a patio or deck after the first light frost so it receives reduced sunlight compared to its prior location, but ensure the plant still receives at least three hours of direct sun each day. Allow the jasmine to adjust to the lower light levels for one week before bringing it indoors.

• 7

  Inspect the plant for pests, such as aphids or mites. These pests tend to colonize on the bottom of leaves and along stems. Treat pest problems with insecticidal soap before bringing the jasmine indoors.

• 8

  Place the jasmine in a dimly lit location where temperatures remain above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, such as in an unheated basement. The plant goes dormant for winter under these conditions and only requires watering two or three times a month so the soil doesn't dry completely.

• 9

  Move the plant gradually into a full sun window in early spring. Increase watering to once or twice weekly as the buds begin to swell and new growth begins. Place it outside after frost danger is past.