Question
i live in slovenia on the south-east slope of a hill & would like to grow jasmine to climb to the front balcony. winter is cold, 2 months of snow on the ground with temperatures dropping to-18c but generally 0c/-5c. summer, usually 25c/30c. the spot i have in mind is sheltered from the coldest winds & gets some shelter from the overhanging roof.
if this is not a good idea can you suggest an alternative ?
regards,

graham.

Answer
Dear Graham,
Jasmine is a fabulous, aromatic addition to any garden, and although I am not knowledgeable about growing conditions in Slovenia, I am worried that your temperature range (which is similar to my own) might pose a problem.  The southeast exposure is good, since it presents the most sunshine, but even in a sheltered spot most jasmines are considered "tropical" plants, and thrive only in areas that do not get hard freezes.  In my area (Mid-Atlantic) most gardeners grow jasmine in pots outside during spring, summer and early fall, and we bring them in during winter.  In the ground, they'd be goners here.  In terms of jasmine vines, you are probably interested in Jasminum officinale or Jasminum polyanthum, both of which are woody-stemmed climbers, but these can tolerate minimum temperatures of only about -5c. If your minimum winter temperatures reliably don't go much below -5c, then you could take a chance, but no guarantees.  Now, there is a type of jasmine called "Winter Jasmine" (Jasminum nudiflorum) that can certainly be left in the ground year-round in cooler climates like ours.  This is a shrubby plant that produces bright yellow flowers in March and April, but it is not a climber unless aggressively trained to be so.  In terms of alternative vines that might do well for you, consider climbing Hydrangea or Clematis or any of the Hederas (ivies) and even Wisteria.  Other climbers, such as trumpet vine (thunbergia) and moonflower (ipomoea) are often grown as annual vines, removed at the end of the growing season and reinstalled the following spring either from seed-grown plants or from starters purchased at the nursery.  I hope this information has helped, and I wish you the best of luck with your garden!