Ah, Jasmine in the summertime! That sweet, sweet smell floating past us on a breeze that we, in the South, are fond of during the hot months.
Jasmine is a vining plant that can grow quickly. As a young plant, it requires a lot of pruning to train its growth, whether you grow it in your home or outside. The plant requires well-drained soil and lots of sun, although there is a variety called Winter Jasmine which prefers shade.
Jasmine can be grown in most USDA growing zones, including Oxford, and it is found mostly trellised in the garden, climbing over a fence or vining above a garage door on an arbor. It is also easy to grow indoors.
Did you know you can grow it as a hedge? I found this beautiful yellow Jasmine hedge lining a driveway here in Oxford. The homeowner told me that while it is beautiful, it requires a lot of work to maintain the shape. Regular clipping only provokes more growth but if you are a regular gardener, the work shouldn’t be a chore, but rather a labor of love.
There is a white variety, called Arabian Jasmine, which grows as a bush but doesn’t survive Oxford’s weather. It is better off along the Gulf Coast, so if you choose to try this hedge in your yard, stick to the Zone 7 Jasmine that you will find at local garden stores. If you do locate the Arabian Jasmine, it is best suited for indoor growing.
Eileen Saunders is a HottyToddy.com contributor who writes on curb appeal, gardening and real estate. Eileen is a REALTOR in the Oxford office of Tommy Morgan Inc., REALTORS. You can also find her offering gardening workshops at the Lafayette Oxford Public Library. Contact Eileen at eileen@tmhomes.com or call her at (662) 404-0816. For more home tips, follow her Facebook page.
