Jasmine produces a heavenly scent that many gardeners prize. It is easy to grow and can make for the perfect choice for your yard or deck.
Jasmine Characteristics
Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) is hardy in Zones 9-11. It is generally a woody shrub, or a climbing or trailing vine. There are 200 species, mostly from Asia, Europe and Africa. This plant is native to tropical and warm temperate regions.
Foliage
Leaves are either evergreen or deciduous, and the leaf arrangement is opposite in most species. The shape of the leaves are:
- Simple
- Tri-foliate
- Pinnate with five to nine leaflets
Leaves can grow up to two and one-half inches long.
Flowers
Some blossoms are yellow, but most of the species bear white flowers which are one inch in size. The petals have strong and sweet fragrance. Flowering takes place in summer or spring, usually six months after planting.
Ideal Growing Conditions
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and a warm site. It grows well in moist, well drained, sandy loam to clayey garden soil with moderate level of fertility. Adding of leaf molds to the soil makes it better for the growth of the plant. Mild fertilizer should be applied during spring.
Plenty of water should be given during summer but this can be reduced during winter. If the plant is to be grown indoors, then bright, indirect or curtain-filtered sunlight should be given. In winter, these indoor plants should be provided with full sunlight up to at least four hours a day. Temperature should range from 68 to 72 degree Fahrenheit at night, during day 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit will be an ideal range of temperature.
| Jasmine | |
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| General Information | |
| Scientific name | Jasminum polyanthum |
| Common name | White Jasmine |
| Planting month | Year round |
| Uses | Edibles, medicines, hedges, used to cure different diseases |
| Description | |
| Height | 10-15 feet |
| Spread | 3-6 feet |
| Habit | Round |
| Texture | Medium |
| Density/Rate | Moderate |
| Leaf | Simple, entire, opposite, oblong, pinnate, evergreen, green in color |
| Flower | White, pleasant fragrance, year round flowering |
| Fruit | Pod, 1-3 inch long, dry and hard, not showy |
| Stem | Not showy, typically multi trunked, sometimes clumping |
| Cultivation | |
| Light Requirement | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Tolerance | Alkaline, clay, sand, acidic, loam |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate |
| Soil Salt Tolerance | Unknown |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Jasminum |
| Genus | Polyanthum |
Plant Care and Propagation
One or two initial ploughings are required to remove the weeds present in the land. It should be followed by the digging of pits at a size of 30 centimeters.
Planting Months
Bushes should be planted during June to November. Plants should be kept at least eight feet apart in order to allow for the full grown size of the plant. Additional fertilizer should be added each spring. Phosphorous and Potassium should be applied in two split doses, once after annual pruning and again during June and July.
Flower Propagating
Younger plants should be tied with the stems to give a fairly heavy support. Tips of the plants should be pinched to stimulate lateral growth and frequent pruning should be done to restrain growth. If the vine is to be grown as a ground-cover, the upward twining stems will need trimming. First irrigation should be given immediately after planting and subsequent irrigation at an interval of seven to ten days. Stem cutting and sowing of seeds are handy methods for the propagation of the plant.
- Mild fertilizers are required for best growth.
- Temperature must be controlled.
- Jasmine needs regular pinching and shaping to control growth.
- If not planted at a proper distance, plants will quickly become crowded.
- Containerized plants should be planted in the fall.
- Fully developed, unopened flower buds should be picked in early morning.
Plant Variations
Many creeping groundcovers can also transform upwards. Jasmine is no exception. This flowering vine is a perfect decoration for an unsightly fence or wall. Although it needs some support as a vine, the flowers will extend your garden up, offering the opportunity to hide an ugly view or create some privacy. Adding beauty as well as carrying its lovely scent through the wind, it is an excellent choice. There are many variations such as:
- Star: This variation makes a wonderful groundcover. It has luxurious and dense foliage and works well in sun or shade.
- Shrubby: This wiry looking shrub can be placed on dry banks and produces small yellow flowers.
- Indian Yellow: This plant is hardy for wall culture and has evergreen foliage, which adds to its value. It flowers freely, and has yellow blooms.
- Japanese: Not a true climber, the Japanese Jasmine vine will need some strong string or wire to support its height. Blooming in the spring and summer, this plant prefers sun or light shade.
- Common White: This variation has flowers that are fragrant. It displays white blossoms in the summer and is ideal for trellises or arbors.
Perfect Addition
Since there are many variations of Jasmine to consider, it is perfect for any garden or landscape. Its sweet scent and beautiful blooms are sure to make any gardener pleased and eager to show it off.
