JASMINUM BEESIANUM

Jasminum beesianum

Jasminum beesianum is a vigorous scandent (climbing) shrub which develops a dense tangle of slender stems. Native to Southwest China, it was discovered for western science in 1906 by renowned Scottish botanist and plant hunter George Forrest (1873 – 1932), one of the first explorers of the remote Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. It was subsequently named and described by Forrest along with German botanist Dr. Friedrich Ludwig Emil Diels (1874 – 1945).

Jasminum beesianum blooms

Under favourable conditions you can expect Jasminum beesianum to reach and approximate height of between 2.5 to 3.5 metres. It is an evergreen species (although deciduous in cooler temperate climates) with long, dark green ovate leaves formed opposite each other on the stalk and taper to a long point.

The heavily fragrant blooms appear in May and June and are comparatively small next to the other species within the genus at just 1-2 cm long. However they are an unusual but attractive deep velvety-red colour. Once pollinated shiny, black berries appear and will often last on the stems well into the oncoming winter.

Grow Jasminum beesianum in any ordinary well-drained, fertile garden soil in a warm sheltered position. In the more northerly European climates winter protection may need to be applied, Cover with a couple of layers of horticultural fleece or protect with wattle hurdles or wire netting back-filled with bracken or straw.

No regular pruning is required except to cut back flowering shoots once the blooms.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW WINTER JASMINE
JASMINUM BEESIANUM
JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM - The winter jasmine