Common jasmine.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Deciduous vine

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

15 to 30 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 7 to 10

Bloom time

Late spring to early autumn

Care

Provide a sturdy support for the vines to climb as they grow. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water or not enough light. Ensure the soil stays moist but never soggy to keep the roots happy.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Repotting

Repot when the roots have filled the container or the plant stops growing.

Soil

Well draining, fertile soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

-10 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion of large quantities may cause mild stomach upset.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The small berries are not typically poisonous, but they pose a minor choking hazard to small children.

Contact allergens

Contact with the sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The strong fragrance can trigger sensitivities or headaches in some people when kept in confined spaces.

Edibility

While the flowers are sometimes used in teas, ensure you have the correct species as many other plants called jasmine are toxic.

How to identify it

• Star shaped white flowers
• Pinnate compound leaves
• Twining woody stems
• Strong sweet fragrance

Height

3 to 9m

Spread

2 to 4m

Leaves

green, semi-evergreen

Flowers

white, 2 to 3cm

Fruit

black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• Aphids · Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck sap.
• Scale · Hard-shelled insects that attach to stems and leaves.

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, layering

When to plant

spring, autumn

Pair jasmine with plants that enjoy similar soil moisture to prevent competition for water.

Grows well with

• Clematis · They share similar light and support requirements for a beautiful vertical display.
• Lavender · Lavender provides a nice contrasting texture and color at the base of the jasmine.

Similar species

• Star Jasmine · It is a popular alternative with similar fragrant white flowers, though it is usually a little less cold-hardy.

Science

Family

Oleaceae

Genus

Jasminum

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Caucasus, northern Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Himalayas, and western China.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It grows in scrub and forest edges where it uses its twining stems to reach sunlight in the canopy.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental climber, fragrance garden, aromatic tea

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a trellis?

Yes, it is a twining climber that requires support to grow vertically.

How do I make it bloom more?

Ensure it gets plenty of direct sunlight and prune it right after the main flowering flush.

Where the name comes from

The name Jasminum comes from the Persian word yasmin, meaning gift from God, while officinale refers to its historical use in herbal medicine.

Good to know

• It is the national flower of Pakistan.
• The scent is a staple in the perfume industry.
• It can grow quite vigorously and needs regular pruning.