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Jasminum Nudiflorum - Hardy Perennial
Author: John Wood
Jasminum Nudiflorum Described.
Jasminum Nudiflorum -
Nude-flowered Jasmine; Nat. Ord. Jasminaceæ.
This was brought to this country from China around a 140 years ago,
and, as proof of its sterling worth, it is already in extensive use. The whole
genus is a favourite one; but there is a special and most attractive feature
about this species that is sure to render it desirable to all—it flowers
freely in midwinter, and it does so in the open garden. Like many of the genus,
this species comes from a very warm climate, and for a time it was grown in glasshouses
as a tender shrub, where it flowered during the winter months. It is now found
to be a perfectly hardy subject, not only withstanding our most trying
seasons without the least injury, but also proving true to the month of December
as the period when it begins to produce its numerous golden flowers. It is a
climbing deciduous shrub, though it has neither the habit of clinging nor twining.
The shrub produces bloom when only 18in. high, but it often grows to as many
feet, and even taller. The flowers are borne singly at the joints from which
the leaves have fallen, and as the latter were opposite, the blossom appears
in pairs on the new twigs. In the bud state they are drooping, and are marked
with a bright chestnut tint on the sunny side. The calyx is ample, almost leafy,
but these parts are hidden when the flower opens and becomes erect. The form
of the Jasmine blossom is well known; in size this one is rather larger than
a full-blown violet, and quite as sweetly scented, which is saying very much,
but the colour is yellow; the petals are of good substance and shining; the flowers
last a long time, even during the roughest weather, they open most during sunshine,
but do not wait for it, and they remain open until they fade. The leaves, which
are produced in early spring, are very small and ternate; leaflets of unequal
size, ovate, downy, and of dark green colour. The wood is very pithy, square,
with sharp corners, and having the appearance almost as if winged; the younger
branchlets are dark bronze green. The habit of the shrub is rampant, climbing,
much branched, and very floriferous. The green leafless sprigs of bloom are very
serviceable in a cut state for vase decoration, especially if mixed with dry
grasses or well-foliaged flowers; the sweet odour, too, reminds one of spring
time. Specimens growing against the house or other walls, either nailed or in
a trellis, have a happy effect in winter, from the slender whip-like growths
hanging down and being well bloomed. From the dark green colour and great number
of branchlets, although leafless, a well-grown example has quite the effect of
an evergreen.
Jasminum Nudiflorum
It enjoys a sunny position, but I have it doing well in a northwest aspect;
it may be used in bush form in almost any situation. Neither is it particular
as to soil, but I should not think of planting a winter-blooming subject in stiff
or retentive loam—that of a sandy nature is more likely to be productive
of flowers. It is easily propagated from cuttings of the young wood; if they
are taken in late summer, when the leaves are falling, they will root quickly.
Before the strong west winds of autumn occur, it should be pruned, in order to
prevent its being torn from the wall; if the prunings are laid in sandy loam,
between shrubs, they will be sufficiently rooted for planting out by the following
spring.
Flowering period, December to April.
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