From the renowned Jasmine officinale with its climbing vines and sweet summer flowers, to the fragrant Jasminum sambac used in perfumes, we uncover the allure of each variety.
Whether you desire fragrance, beauty, or adaptability, this guide will help you choose the perfect jasmine for your garden.
Popular Jasmine Varieties
With their cascading vines and fragrant blooms, jasmine plants have enchanted gardeners for centuries.
But did you know that there are over 200 different kinds of jasmine plants?
This section will concentrate on some of the more popular kinds. Let’s begin with Jasmine officinale, or the common jasmine. It’s renowned for its sturdy climbing vines and sweetly scented summer flowers. Then we have Jasminum sambac, often used in perfumes and teas, adored for its intensely fragrant white flowers.
Next in line is the Winter Jasmine, or Jasminum nudiflorum. Its yellow flowers may not have the signature fragrance, but its winter blooms make it a favorite among cold climate gardeners.
Lastly, the Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), despite not being a true jasmine, is popular for its pinwheel-shaped flowers and its hearty nature that stands up to a variety of growing conditions.
- Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac ‘Arabian’): This Jasmine sambac cultivar is recognized for its very fragrant white blossoms, which are frequently used in floral arrangements and garlands. It has a strong and captivating scent.
- Grand Duke of Tuscany Jasmine (Jasminum sambac ‘Grand Duke of Tuscany’): This Jasmine sambac variety is prized for its double blossoms, which are bigger and more densely packed than other types. The flowers are creamy white and emit a delightful fragrance.
- Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum): Also known as White Jasmine or Winter Jasmine, this variety produces clusters of small, white flowers that gradually turn pink as they age. It has a sweet and spicy aroma and blooms profusely in late winter or early spring.
- Carolina Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens): Although not a true jasmine, this native North American vine is often referred to as Carolina Jasmine due to its similar appearance and fragrance. It features bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers and is highly aromatic.
- Angel Wing Jasmine (Jasminum nitidum): This jasmine variety is prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and large clusters of pure white, star-shaped flowers. It has a strong, sweet fragrance and is commonly grown as a vine or trained as a shrub.
- Italian Jasmine (Jasminum humile): Also known as Yellow Jasmine, this species produces bright yellow, tubular flowers that are highly fragrant. It has a more compact growth habit compared to other jasmine varieties and can be used as a ground cover or a low hedge.
- Pink Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum ‘Roseum’): This variation of Winter Jasmine features delicate pink flowers instead of the typical yellow blooms. It adds a splash of color to the winter garden and is still able to tolerate colder climates.
Fragrant Jasmine Varieties
All jasmines are not created equal, especially when it comes to scent.
If you’re after the most fragrant varieties, Jasminum sambac should top your list. Known as Arabian Jasmine, it’s often used in tea and perfumes. Its rich, sweet scent intensifies at night, filling your garden with a luxurious aroma.
Another incredibly fragrant variety is Jasminum grandiflorum, often referred to as Spanish Jasmine. Its potent floral fragrance is often used in the production of high-end perfumes.
Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) on the other hand, is beloved not only for its blush-pink blossoms, but also for its seductive aroma that wafts across the yard, especially in late winter and early spring.
And let’s not forget about the Night Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum). As its name implies, this variety’s scent is most potent at night, making it an excellent choice for moon gardens.
- Madagascar Jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda): Also known as Bridal Veil or Hawaiian Wedding Flower, this jasmine species is highly prized for its intoxicating fragrance. Its waxy, star-shaped white flowers release a sweet and heady scent, particularly in the evening.
- Poet’s Jasmine (Jasminum officinale ‘Fiona Sunrise’): This cultivar of common jasmine is cherished for its delicate, golden-yellow flowers and its enchanting fragrance. The scent is reminiscent of citrus and jasmine, creating a delightful combination.
- Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata): Although not a true jasmine, this evergreen shrub is often called Orange Jasmine due to its similar fragrance. It produces clusters of small, white flowers that emit a delightful citrusy scent, reminiscent of orange blossoms.
- Sampaguita Jasmine (Jasminum sambac ‘Maid of Orleans’): This specific variety of Jasminum sambac is widely cultivated in the Philippines and is the national flower of the country. It is highly valued for its intensely sweet and captivating fragrance, which is often used in perfumes, garlands, and religious ceremonies.
- Arabian Night Jasmine (Cestrum diurnum): Despite its name, this jasmine variety actually releases its fragrance during the day. It has little white blooms with a sweet and spicy aroma that make it a great addition to any garden.
- Golden Champaca (Michelia champaca): Also known as Joy Perfume Tree, this tropical tree is renowned for its exotic and captivating fragrance. The perfume of the little yellow-orange blossoms is deep and complex, typically described as a combination of magnolia, jasmine, and fruity overtones.
Jasmine Growing Conditions
Jasmine plants are relatively simple to grow if the proper conditions are met. They require a healthy combination of sunshine and shade – four to six hours of direct sunlight each day is optimum. While some types of jasmine, like the Winter Jasmine, can tolerate less sun, most varieties need at least some direct sunlight to bloom profusely.
As for the soil, jasmines prefer a well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic. Jasmine plants are quite thirsty, especially during their growing period, so be sure to water them regularly. However, avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot. While jasmine is pretty adaptable, maintaining the right conditions can be the difference between a plant that merely survives and one that thrives.
Care and Maintenance
Regular care and maintenance of your jasmine plant will keep it happy and healthy. Pruning is a crucial part of jasmine care. For most jasmine varieties, the best time to prune is right after they finish blooming. This helps maintain the shape of the plant and promotes better flowering in the next season.
Fertilizing is also important for a flourishing jasmine plant. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients throughout the growing season. Make sure to follow the fertilizer’s instructions to avoid overfeeding, which can harm your plant. Pest and disease management is also essential. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests like aphids and caterpillars, and treat with appropriate measures as necessary.
In addition to pruning, fertilizing, and pest management, here are some more care and maintenance tips for your jasmine plant:
Watering: Jasmine plants generally prefer moist, well-draining soil. Water your jasmine regularly, especially during dry spells or hot weather. Keep the soil evenly moist but not overly saturated, as excessive water can lead to root rot. Adjust your watering frequency based on the weather conditions and the moisture needs of your specific jasmine variety.
Sunlight: Most jasmine varieties thrive in full sun to partial shade. For best development and flowering, give your jasmine plant at least 4-6 hours of direct sunshine every day. However, some jasmine varieties, like Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac), can tolerate partial shade and perform well in bright indirect light.
Support and Training: Jasmine plants are known for their climbing or trailing growth habit. If you’re growing a climbing variety, provide a trellis, fence, or other support structure for the vines to climb on. Secure the vines to the support structure using soft ties or twine. Regularly check and adjust the plant’s growth to ensure it is properly trained and supported.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your jasmine plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Spread items such as wood chips, straw, or compost evenly over the root zone, taking care not to pile it up against the plant’s stem.
Winter Protection: While some jasmine varieties are cold-hardy, others may require protection during winter in colder climates. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, consider covering your jasmine plant with burlap or a frost blanket to shield it from harsh conditions. Alternatively, you can grow jasmine in containers and bring them indoors during winter.
Propagation: If you want to expand your jasmine collection or share plants with others, you can propagate jasmine through various methods such as stem cuttings, layering, or by dividing established clumps. Research the specific propagation techniques for your jasmine variety and follow the recommended steps for successful propagation.
Propagation Methods
There are several techniques for propagating jasmine plants to select from. The simplest is stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem about 6 inches long, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot with a mix of peat and perlite. Keep the soil wet, and you should see fresh growth in a few weeks.
Another method is layering, which is especially effective for climbing varieties of jasmine. Bend a low-growing, flexible branch down to the ground, then bury a portion of it while still attached to the parent plant. After a few months, the buried section will develop roots, and you can cut it from the parent plant and transplant it to a new location. With both these methods, patience is key, but the reward of a thriving, fragrant jasmine plant is well worth the wait.
Jasmine Plant Types FAQ
What kind of plant is Jasmine?
Jasmine is a flowering plant in the olive family, Oleaceae. It’s renowned for its showy, fragrant blossoms and is often cultivated as a climbing or trailing shrub. Jasmines are native to tropical and subtropical locations, but with proper care, many kinds can be cultivated in moderate settings.
How many types of Jasmine flowers are there?
There are over 200 varieties of jasmine flowers, each unique in its growth habit, bloom type, and fragrance. This broad range includes species like the common Jasmine officinale, the intensely fragrant Jasminum sambac, and the winter-blooming Jasminum nudiflorum, along with numerous cultivars and hybrids.
What is the best Jasmine to grow?
The ‘best’ jasmine to grow often depends on specific garden conditions and preferences. However, the Jasminum sambac, or Arabian Jasmine, is widely appreciated for its intense fragrance, beautiful white flowers, and versatility in uses from garden display to tea and perfume production. This species also tends to be more resilient and adaptable than some other varieties.