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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Monday - October 27, 2008

From: Bethel, OH
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Will non-native Star Jasmine survive outside in winter in Ohio
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Hi! I have two Star Jasmine in pots (we brought them back to southern Ohio from CA this year). Should we bring them inside for the winter? Would they do okay outside next winter if we plant them in the ground, rather than keeping them potted? Thank you!

ANSWER:

Our focus and expertise at the Wildflower Center is with plants native to North America and, unfortunately, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a native of China, not North America. However, we can tell you that the USDA hardiness zone rating for the star jasmine is 8-10 (annual minimum temperature of 10 to 40 degrees F); whereas, Bethel, Ohio appears to be in Zone 5b, average annual minimum temperature minus 10 deg. to minus 15 deg. However, the Floridata Star Jasmine website referenced above does say it makes a great indoor or greenhouse plant in the winter.
 

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