Hi Bornagain, I wouldn't refer to Trachelospermum as half-hardy, but they really do need a warm, sheltered spot in order to do well long-term in the UK - south-facing walls suit them best. T. jasminoides is the less hardy of the two commonly grown species and is also rather slow growing and may not flower well either in less beneficial locations.

Very cold temps will defoliate them and, of course, make them look ragged as well as considerably reducing their vigour. Obviously we've suffered from two unusually cold winters in a row, but (so long as it's well sited) then the species should normally do OK with you in the W. Midlands.

Thanks Ilex, the only really suitable wall (Against house)is taken up by clematis avalanche. I have bought foolishly:-( I do have a small eastish facing front house wall which is quite sheltered. It will have to live in a pot and won't last too long probably, this weather makes me very inpetuous:-)

Wouldn't want to try up here...

Lol Mg, wish I hadn't tried down here:-)

A lovely plant, if you're coming to London for any reason, I'll buy it off you... I have never yet managed to find a variegated one for sale here.

Bornagain - I had one that lived fairly happily in a pot for many years, so, if that allows you to position it better, that's probably the best bet.

Nice plants always make me impetuous too!

Try ebay Bamboo, that's where I got mine, looks healthy. Thanks again Ilex:-)

Hmm, maybe I should - I'm an Ebay virgin actually! Mostly cos I knew that a friend's son and their mates were selling fake and dodgy stuff through the site, and got away with it for 5 years...

I've bought quite a few plants on ebay, never had a problem. Well the only problem is there are so many lovely plants you can have at the click of a mouse:-)