winter jasmine as an alternative to English ivy on brick walls, Digi Mart USA News: A publisher article advises United States gardeners who want to avoid English ivy, which is considered invasive there, to consider winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) as a flowering vine for brick walls.
When grown as a vine, winter jasmine can reach up to 15 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Its main appeal is its showy tubular flowers, which are bright yellow, grow up to 2 inches long and typically bloom in winter, with some of the first flowers appearing as early as January.
The plant is native to China but is considered naturalized in parts of the United States. Although it may not be invasive, the article notes that it can still spread readily, so pruning may be needed to keep it from growing into areas of the garden where it is not wanted.
According to the article, winter jasmine is fairly low-maintenance and may suit beginner gardeners. It is a perennial hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10, tolerates a range of soil textures and pH levels from acidic to alkaline, and needs good drainage.
It prefers moist soil but can tolerate occasional drought.
For sunlight, the article recommends full sun or partial shade, such as a brick wall not facing north, with south-facing walls providing full sun and east- and west-facing walls providing shade for part of the day. It can tolerate heavy shade, but the article says constant heavy shade should be avoided if the plant is to produce its flowers.
The article says pruning is essential when growing winter jasmine as a trailing vine on a wall, although the plant does not need pruning for health. Pruning should be done as needed to control spread and shape the plant, and the article says the best time is in early spring, after it has finished blooming.
