JASMINUM. Widely distributed, both hemispheres. A large group of shrubs and woody vines, valued for both foliage and flowers. Their most consistent feature is the form of the flowers: A narrow tube and widely spreading “face” of several, usually narrow segments. Mostly sun or light shade, fertile soils, moderate to regular watering. Their hardiness is extremely variable.
beesianum. China. A deciduous to nearly evergreen vine, depending on climate, growing 8-15’ tall. It has slender stems and dark green, undivided, tapered leaves. The flowers are a little under 1" long, rose-colored and fragrant. Attractive black berries hang on the plant until winter. Probably 15oF or less.
azoricum. Madeira, if the plant is true to name. However, we are told the plant received under this name is probably J. fluminense, an African species. It is a vine of moderate growth, with dark green stems and clean, dark leaves divided in threes. It carries many clusters of fragrant white blossoms in summer. Hardiness is undetermined thus far, but should be 20oF or less.
grandiflorum. Spanish jasmine. A bold, tropical-looking vine with a broad range of climatic tolerance. The stems grow quickly to 10-20’ long but are easily controlled by pruning. Lining them are shiny, deep green, 5- to 7-parted leaves. Plants are decorated by open sprays of pure white, fragrant blossoms from late spring to fall. Evergreen to deciduous, depending on winter temperatures. 15oF or less.
leratii (ligustrifolium). An evergreen, vining species with dark green, tapered leaves about 2" long. It displays its small white blossoms in open clusters along the stems in spring. 18oF or less.
nitidum (magnificum). Angelwing jasmine. A slowly growing shrub when young, becoming a vine of modest proportions (normally a little over 10’). It has 2-3" dark green, very shiny, pointed-oval leaves. It blooms mostly in summer, with a scattering of flowers at other times, these being about 1" across at the face, pure white above, dark red beneath, and sweetly fragrant. Around 25oF.
nudiflorum. Winter jasmine. An arching, slender stemmed shrub which grows as much as 10’ tall and 20’ wide. The supple stems are bright green in color. Three parted 1" leaves are dark and glistening during the growing season, falling away in winter. In late winter and early spring it carries bright yellow 1" blossoms with short tubes along the bare stems. A fine choice for spilling over fences and walls.
polyanthum. This is the true jasmine of most gardeners’ acquaintance, valued for its dense cover of dark, shiny leaves and sprays of intensely fragrant flowers. Each has a white “face” and pink tube and backing. Though a rampant grower, it responds well to frequent pruning. Probably 15oF or less.