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Jasminum spp.

jasmine

Oleaceae

Warm-temperate and tropical Asia, Africa, and Oceania

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (strong)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Jasminum spp. is a genus of about 200 species of shrubs and woody climbers in the olive family (Oleaceae), native to warm-temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia, Africa, and Oceania. Habit ranges from twining vines that scramble 10–30 feet (3–9 m) through supports to self-supporting shrubs 3–7 feet (1–2 m) high. The leaves are opposite or alternate and may be simple or divided into several leaflets, and they are deciduous, evergreen, or semi-evergreen depending on the species and climate. Flowers are tubular at the base and open into a flat star of five or more lobes, most often white or yellow and in a few species flushed pink. Many species, including common jasmine J. officinale and Arabian jasmine J. sambac, carry a strong sweet scent that is used in perfume and to flavour tea; winter jasmine J. nudiflorum, by contrast, bears yellow flowers on bare stems in winter and has no fragrance. Most species flower over a long season and grow quickly once established. They need a warm, sheltered position, as many are damaged by hard frost. Jasminum spp. grows in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil and twines around support where stems are given something to climb.

Native Range

Jasminum spp. is native to warm regions of Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with the greatest number of species in southern and southeastern Asia. Species grow in forest margins, thickets, and rocky slopes, and several are now grown far beyond their native range.

Suggested Uses

Jasminum spp. is grown on trellises, pergolas, fences, and walls, and as a scented plant near doorways and seating. Shrubby species are planted in borders and as informal hedging, while tender kinds are grown in conservatories and pots. J. sambac is grown for cut flowers and for scenting tea.

How to Identify

Identify Jasminum spp. by its tubular flowers that flare into a star of narrow lobes, usually white or yellow, set against opposite or pinnate leaves. Climbing species twine their stems around supports rather than clinging by tendrils. The strong sweet scent of many species, absent in winter jasmine, is a further mark.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 30'

Width/Spread3' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Flowering season varies by species: summer-flowering kinds such as J. officinale bloom for many weeks from late spring into autumn, while J. nudiflorum flowers in winter on leafless stems. The scented species open in the evening and draw night-flying moths. In warm climates some species flower nearly year-round.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, yellow, or pink

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Jasminum spp. in full sun to light shade in well-drained, moisture-retentive soil, with a warm, sheltered position for the tender species. Water regularly through the growing season, easing off in winter, and give climbing types a trellis or wires to twine around. Many species are damaged below freezing and are grown under glass or against a warm wall in cool climates, while a few, such as J. nudiflorum, tolerate frost. Steady feeding and watering support the long flowering season, though overly rich soil favours leaf over flower. Thinning and shortening stems after flowering controls size and keeps the plant within its space. Red spider mite and whitefly can affect plants grown under cover.

Pruning

Prune summer-flowering jasmines after the flowers fade, thinning old stems and shortening long growths to fit the support. J. nudiflorum and other winter-flowering kinds are cut back in spring once blooming ends. Regular thinning keeps climbing species from building up a congested mass of bare stems.