Will Confederate Star Jasmine Live Through A Kentucky Winter?
Terri Asked
Will Confederate Star jasmine live through a Kentucky winter?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Terri in Kentucky: Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) or sometimes also called Star jasmine is native to southeastern Asia and hardy in USDA gardening zones 8-11. Here in Kentucky the warmest zone in our state is 7a. This means the jasmine is considered a tropical for us and the plant will have to be over-wintered indoors. Unfortunately, it will not likely bloom inside but the idea is to just keep it alive so you can take it back outdoors next spring after the frost-free date for your area passes (usually around May 10). Watch the weather this fall and bring your jasmine inside before the first frost. Find a sunny window or brightly lit room to over-winter your plant. You will not need to fertilize during this time since the light levels are so much lower and you can also cut back on your watering. Your watering schedule will depend on the temperature and humidity of your home but every 10-12 days should be fine. It will not hurt the plant if you need to cut the jasmine back to bring it indoors. The pinwheel-shaped flowers this plant produces are not super showy but are sweet and delicate. The perfume scent they give off is the main reason for growing this plant.
