How to Care for Windmill Jasmine in Winter
As an ornamental vine plant with adaptability, windmill jasmine requires special attention to temperature and lighting management in winter. Its creamy white windmill-shaped flowers and evergreen characteristics make it a popular choice for gardens in both north and south. However, different overwintering strategies in different climatic regions directly affect the blooming state the following year.
The Cold Temperature Tolerance Limit of Windmill Jasmine
Critical Temperature Survival Threshold
Experimental data shows that mature plants can survive in -10℃ environment for 3-5 days, but will curl leaves after 5 consecutive days. When the temperature drops to -15℃, the roots will be damaged within 48 hours, and it is recommended to use double-layer insulation cloth for protection in the northern regions.
Regional Differences in Maintenance
The Yangtze River Valley can overwinter outdoors, the Yellow River Valley requires planting in a sunny and leeward position, and the Northeast region recommends potting and bringing indoors. Special cases show that plants in Beijing's Changping District successfully resisted extreme weather of -18℃ by covering the roots with pine needles and wrapping the branches with straw rope.
Windmill Jasmine Winter Systematic Care
Light and Temperature Synergy Management
Ensure 4 hours of direct sunlight every day, and rotate the pot weekly when caring for it near a glass window. Adopt a temperature gradient management method: normal care above 5℃, water and fertilizer control between 0-5℃, and start using bags for insulation below 0℃, preferably with a PE insulation bag that has 80% light transmission.
Accurate Water and Fertilizer Control
Use the 'Fingertip Detection Method': when the soil 3cm deep is dry, add water. It is recommended to water thoroughly once a month in the North China region and maintain a 20-day cycle in the South China region. During the fertilizer stop period, apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer (diluted 1500 times) to enhance stress resistance.
Special Environment Response
For ground-planted plants, three types of protection are needed: piling 15cm of soil on the base, wrapping the main branches with non-woven fabric, and setting up a shield on the windward side. The practice in Qingdao Botanical Garden in 2019 showed that these measures can increase the survival rate to 92%.
By scientifically adjusting environmental factors, windmill jasmine can not only survive the winter safely but also accumulate nutrients to promote the differentiation of spring buds. After the spring warming, when the night temperature stabilizes above 8℃, the protection can be gradually removed and light pruning can be done to lay the foundation for the new season's growth.