From a botanical perspective, the term "jasmine" can be confusing, as it refers to true jasmines from the genus *Jasminum* and several other plants that share the characteristic fragrant flowers. For successful outdoor cultivation in the American climate, the primary considerations are cold hardiness and heat tolerance. The United States encompasses a wide range of USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, from the frigid Zone 3 to the tropical Zone 13. Most true jasmines are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Eurasia and Oceania, meaning they thrive in warmth and are sensitive to frost. Therefore, selecting a variety must begin with matching its cold tolerance to your specific zone.
For gardeners in regions that experience frost but have relatively mild winters, several jasmine varieties are exceptionally well-suited. The champion for cold tolerance is Winter Jasmine (*Jasminum nudiflorum*). This deciduous shrub is hardy to Zone 6. It lacks the intense fragrance of its tropical cousins but provides a brilliant display of bright yellow flowers on bare stems in late winter, a valuable resource for early pollinators. Another excellent choice is Common Jasmine (*Jasminum officinale*), also known as Poet's Jasmine. This vigorous, deciduous vine is hardy to Zone 7 and is celebrated for its clusters of intensely fragrant white flowers that bloom from summer into early fall. It can die back in a harsh winter but often re-sprouts from the roots.
In the warmer climates of the American South and Southwest, a broader palette of jasmines can be grown with spectacular results. Spanish Jasmine (*Jasminum grandiflorum*) is a prime candidate. A subspecies of *J. officinale*, it is an evergreen to semi-evergreen vine prized for its larger, highly fragrant white flowers with a pinkish tinge on the outside. It thrives in the heat but requires protection if temperatures dip below 10°F. The most iconic for these zones is Asian Star Jasmine (*Trachelospermum jasminoides*). While not a true *Jasminum*, this evergreen vine is a superstar in the landscape. It is hardy to Zone 8 and produces an abundance of powerfully sweet-scented, star-shaped white flowers throughout the summer. It is also tolerant of more sun exposure than many true jasmines.
In truly frost-free areas like South Florida and Southern California, the most exquisite and fragrant jasmines can be grown outdoors year-round. Arabian Jasmine (*Jasminum sambac*) is the queen of this category. This evergreen shrub is the plant used to make jasmine tea and leis. It produces wonderfully fragrant, waxy white flowers that can be used fresh. It requires warm, humid conditions and is only hardy to Zone 9, and even then, only with significant protection. Another stunning option is Royal Jasmine (*Jasminum rex*), which boasts the largest flowers of any jasmine species. Its pure white, sweetly scented blooms can be over an inch in diameter, but it is very tender, suited only for Zones 10 and 11.
Beyond hardiness, successful cultivation depends on understanding a jasmine plant's needs. Most jasmines prefer well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. While they enjoy warmth, their sunlight requirements vary. In hot, southern climates, many benefit from afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. In cooler northern zones, they can tolerate and even need full sun to ripen their stems and promote flowering. Pruning is best done after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth, as flower buds often form on new wood. Providing a sturdy trellis or support is essential for the vining types to display their graceful growth and abundant blooms effectively.
