Longer days

Now that the days are getting longer, the plants are beginning to respond.

The end of January is when the Bush Jasmine ( Jasminum mesny) put forth their first yellow blossoms. Other common name for this evergreen adapted perennial are “Primrose Jasmine” and “Japanese Jasmine.”

The Bush Jasmine is not bothered by the deer and makes an excellent dense hedge once it is established. The only problem with this plant is that it expands readily once established.

When the long branches touch the moist ground it puts out roots and starts a new plant. I have dug up many of these starts to give to other people. It is very slow to grow initially and needs water the first few summers. Once it is established however, it never needs to be watered. Your main maintenance job is keeping it trimmed so that it does not take over your yard.

There is another perennial vining Jasmine commonly called Carolina Jasmine ( Gelsemium sempervirens) that grows readily in our area. The flowers are also yellow and I have already spotted a yellow blossom on my vine. Next month I expect it to be covered with yellow flowers. I do not water this plant much, but it is growing inside my fence so I do not know if the deer eat it.

A couple of years ago I wrote in a column that I would try planting hyacinth bulbs (planted in the fall) in the front yard where the deer roam. Hyacinths have a strong scent and I was hoping that would keep the deer from munching on them. At the moment the hyacinth bulbs I have had for many years are emerging from the ground. I am pleased to announce that the hyacinths planted in the deer accessible area are up and one is blooming. So far the deer have not bothered it.

Keep your eyes open for more early bloomers.

Written by Jackie Mattice, Hays County Master Naturalist