Arabian jasmine

Arabian jasmine: how do you recognise it?

Habit

Evergreen climbing or trailing shrub; indoors 1–1.5 m high and up to 1 m wide, with scrambling shoots that need support.

Leaves

Oval to rounded, 4–8 cm, glossy dark green, opposite.

Flowers

Clusters of white flowers of 2–3 cm in May–September. They open at the end of the day and only stay fresh for a short time. Double forms exist too.

Scent

Sweet, floral and heavy, strongest in the evening.

Roots

Fibrous: it needs loose, free-draining but moisture-retentive compost.

Flowering: May–September · Plants: March–April · Pruning: March and October

Why grow it?

• Wonderfully scented flowers from May to September.
• Glossy, evergreen leaves: a handsome houseplant even without flowers.
• Fits in a pot in a bright spot and can be trained along a frame or ring.
• Can go outdoors in summer to a warm, sheltered spot.
• With pruning and support you can turn it into a compact bush or a small climber.

Arabian jasmine: where does it grow best?

• Light: a very bright spot with a few hours of sun, for example by a south- or west-facing window. In the blazing midday sun of summer, light shade is better.
• Temperature: 18–28 °C; not below about 12 °C. Keep it cooler in winter (12–16 °C).
• Soil: loose, humus-rich potting compost with a little perlite, slightly acid to neutral.
• Humidity: normal room humidity will do, but extra humidity helps against spider mite.
• Support: a frame, ring or a few canes to guide the stems.

Light

Sunny or bright, out of direct sun

Potting soil

Multi-purpose compost or airy, humus-rich compost

Acidity

Acid or neutral

Watering

Moderately

Size

1.5 m tall, 1 m wide

Temperature

Minimum 12 °C

Goes well with

• Gardenia: Same warm, humid spot and scented flowers too.
• Hoya: A climbing houseplant with scented flowers and the same warmth.
• Potted citrus: Same light needs and a fresh scent.
• Orchid: Suits the same bright, warm spot.

Arabian jasmine: when and how to plant it?

Plant in March–April.

1. Repot in March–April, when the plant is growing actively again. Repot young plants every year, older ones every 2 years.
2. Choose a pot 2–4 cm wider than the old one, with drainage holes.
3. Put a layer of clay pebbles in the bottom and fill with loose, humus-rich potting compost with about a quarter perlite.
4. Set the plant at the same depth as before and firm the compost lightly.
5. Water generously, let the excess drain away and put the plant in a bright, warm spot.
6. Put a small support or frame beside the scrambling shoots.

Care

Water

During the growing season keep the compost evenly, lightly moist: water when the top 1–2 cm is dry. In winter less, but do not let the root ball dry out. Preferably use rainwater.

Feeding

From March to September, a feed for flowering plants every 2 weeks, at the dose on the packet; none in winter.

Humidity

Mist now and then or stand the pot on a tray of damp pebbles; dry air increases the risk of spider mite.

Spent flowers

Cut off faded clusters: they make room for new buds.

Going outside

From late May, when nights stay warm (above about 12–15 °C), it can go to a warm, sheltered spot outdoors. Bring it back in September.

Tip: Give it as much light and warmth as possible and it will flower all summer. Keep the compost lightly moist and prune after flowering to get plenty of buds again next year.

Arabian jasmine: when to prune it?

Pruning months: March and October.

When: After flowering, in October, cut back generously; if you like, a light shaping prune in March.

How:

• After flowering, cut the shoots back by about a third, just above a pair of leaves.
• Cut off faded flower clusters and dead or crossing branches.
• In March you can lightly trim the branches again for shape. It flowers at the tips of new shoots, so pruning encourages flowering.
• Tie long, strong shoots to the support.

Caution: Do not prune from May to August inclusive: you would cut off this summer’s buds.

Pruning: when and how · Pruning calendar and basic rules

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings

In spring or summer: take 10 cm cuttings with 2–3 pairs of leaves, remove the lower leaves and insert them in moist compost with perlite under plastic in a warm (22–25 °C), bright spot. Roots form after a few weeks to two months.

Layering

In summer, bend a long shoot down to the compost, cover a section with soil and pin it in place. Separate it after a few months.

Arabian jasmine: how does it get through the winter?

• Not hardy: keep it indoors all year round, at 12 °C minimum.
• Put it in the brightest spot, preferably cooler (12–16 °C), and water less. Keep the root ball slightly moist.
• No feeding. In dry heated air, mist regularly or put a dish of water nearby.
• With too little light growth stops and leaves may drop; a grow lamp can help.

Diseases and pests

• Flower buds dropping: Caused by too little light, too low a temperature or fluctuating humidity. Move it somewhere brighter and warmer and water regularly.
• No flowers: Too little light, too much nitrogen or pruning too late. Give more light, a feed for flowering plants and prune after flowering.
• Yellow leaves: Too much or too little water, cold or lack of feed. Check the compost, keep it warm and feed regularly in summer.
• Spider mite, mealybug and scale: Fine webs, white cottony clumps or brown scales on leaves and stems, especially in dry, warm air. Rinse, wipe with soapy water and increase the humidity.

Through the year

• January: In the brightest spot; little water; no feeding.
• March: Repot and give a light shaping prune. Start feeding.
• April: Repot if necessary. Put up a support. Take cuttings.
• May: First flowers. From late May go outdoors if nights are warm.
• June: Flowering. Water regularly and feed.
• July: Flowering. Cut off faded clusters.
• August: Flowering. Water; light shade in strong sun.
• September: Last flowers. Bring back indoors.
• October: After flowering, cut back by a third. Less water.
• December: Rest: bright, cool and little water.

Did you know?

• Arabian jasmine is the national flower of the Philippines (sampaguita) and of Indonesia (melati putih).
• Its flowers are used to scent jasmine tea, a well-known tea from China.
• The flowers open at the end of the day and then smell strongest.