The Jasmine is a very popular flower around the world especially in the tropics because of its unique fragrance. The Jasmine is native to tropical and warm or temperate regions of the old world.
The Jasmine flowers are white in most species, with some species being yellow. The Jasmine is believed to have originated in the Himalayas in we stern China.
Unlike most genera in the Oleceae family, which have four corolla lobe petals, Jasmines often have five or six lobes. Jasmines are often strong and sweet scented. Jasmines are widely cultivated for their shining leaves and beautiful clusters of fragrant flowers.
Flowering in Jasmines takes place in summer or spring which is usally six months after planting. The Jasmine flower releases its fragrance at night after the sun has set and especially when the moon is waxing towards fullness. Jasmine flower buds are more fragrant than the flowers.
There is a real jasmine and a false jasmine, and two are often mistaken for the release of the fragrant plants. The real jasmine belongs to family Oleaceae, mainly a thick shrub or climbing vine, is non-toxic.
The real jasmine oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. The fake jasmine flower is on the other hand in a completely different genus, the genus Prunus, and the family, which is believed to be toxic for human consumption.
Facts About Jasmine
• Jasmine shrubs reach a height of 10-15 feet, growing approximately 12-24 inches per year.
• Jasmine leaves are either evergreen or deciduous.
• A Jasmine leaf is arranged opposite in most species. The leaf shape is simple, trifoliate or pinnate with 5-9 leaflets, each up to two and half inches long.
• The Jasmine stems are slender, trailing, green, glabrous, angled, and almost 4-sided.
• Most of the Jasmine species bear white flowers, which are about 1 inch in size.
• The Jasmine oil, which is a very popular fragrant oil, contains benzyl acetate, terpinol, jasmone, benzyl benzoate, linalool, several alcohols, and other compounds.
• The variety Jasminium sambac, is a clustered flower of an equally strong scent known in Hawaii as the Pikake.
• The two types of Jasmine which are used for oil production are the Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum officinale.
• The nectar of the fragrant flowers of Carolina Jasmine, Gelsemium sempervirens, is poisonous, although its dried roots are used as a sedative in medicinal preparations.
• The Jasmine flower oil, extracted from the two species Jasminum Officinale and Grandiflorum, is used in high-grade perfumes and cosmetics, such as creams, oils, soaps, and shampoos.
Growing Jasmine Flowers
• Jasmines grow well in moist, well drained, sandy loam to clayey garden soil with moderate level of fertility.
• Jasmines prefer a full sun to partial shade and a warm site.
• Jasmine bushes should be planted during June to November.
• Jasmine plant should be kept at least eight feet apart in order to save the later growth of the plant from jamming together.
• Adding of leaf molds to the soil makes a better growth of the plant.
• Mild fertilizer should be applied during spring.
• Plenty of water should be given during summer.
• Jasmine plants should be provided with full sunlight up to at least four hours a day.
FAQ on Jasmine
1. What is Jasmine?
Jasmine refers to several species of plants from the genus Jasminum. It is well-known for its shiny green leaves and fragrant white or yellow flowers. Jasmine is commonly grown for decorative purposes, as well as for its use in perfumes and teas.
2. How many types of Jasmine are there?
There are over 200 species of Jasmine. Some of the most popular varieties include Jasminum officinale (common jasmine), Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), and Jasminum polyanthum (pink jasmine).
3. Where is Jasmine native to?
Jasmine originates from warm temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia, Australasia, and Oceania. Its exact native range varies between species.
4. Can Jasmine be grown indoors?
Yes, Jasmine can be grown indoors, particularly varieties like Jasminum sambac and Jasminum polyanthum, which adapt well to indoor conditions. They require bright, indirect light and regular watering to thrive.
5. How do you care for Jasmine plants?
Jasmine plants need full to partial sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. They also benefit from regular pruning to shape the plant and encourage flowering.
6. When does Jasmine bloom?
The blooming time for Jasmine varies by species but typically occurs from spring to fall. Some varieties can bloom year-round under optimal conditions.
7. Is Jasmine fragrant all day?
The fragrance of Jasmine flowers is usually stronger in the evening and at night, making it a popular choice for planting near windows or outdoor seating areas to enjoy its scent.
8. How fast does Jasmine grow?
Jasmine’s growth rate depends on the species and growing conditions. Generally, it is considered a fast-growing plant when it receives enough sunlight, water, and nutrients.
9. Can Jasmine be used for tea?
Yes, Jasmine is often used to flavor tea, especially Jasminum sambac. Its flowers are added to tea leaves to create a fragrant blend known as Jasmine tea.
10. How do you propagate Jasmine?
Jasmine can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they root.
11. Are all Jasmine plants fragrant?
Most Jasmine species are fragrant, but the intensity of the fragrance can vary between species and even individual plants.
12. Is Jasmine toxic to pets?
True Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) is generally considered non-toxic to pets. However, plants commonly called “Jasmine” but belonging to different genera may be toxic. Always verify the scientific name and toxicity of the plant.
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