Arabian jasmine
Jasminum sambac · Oleaceae
📷 Taken by Fanghong · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Arabian jasmine is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Jasminum sambac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Plant type
- Climbing/Twining shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- June to September
- Mature height
- Up to 2 m
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (tropical to subtropical climate)
- Origin
- South and Southeast Asia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Arabian jasmine is mainly grown for its fragrance: place it near a bright terrace or window, then pinch young stems to thicken growth.
The common mistake
Lack of light or air circulation: it gets leggy, produces few flowers, and develops real problems with powdery mildew or scale insects in stagnant air.
The pro's trick
Water in the evening during summer (June-September) to boost flowering.
Care
Exposure
Arabian jasmine thrives in full sun, ideally at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Bright exposure promotes abundant and fragrant flowering. In hot regions, light afternoon shade can prevent excessive summer scorching.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during growth and flowering, without allowing water to stagnate. Gradually reduce watering in winter. Prefer watering at the base rather than overhead, especially in hot weather.
Soil and growing medium
Use fertile, well-draining substrate that is slightly acidic to neutral. A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite or sand promotes excellent drainage. Avoid overly compact or waterlogged soils that cause root rot.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer or one rich in phosphorus and potassium every 15 days during growth and flowering (April to September). Stop fertilizing in winter. Choose mild formulations for flowering plants.
Pruning and training
Prune after autumn flowering to encourage branching and airflow. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Guide main stems onto a support (trellis, pergola) to control shape and densify foliage.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry or hot climates. Powdery mildew can appear with excessive humidity and poor ventilation. Maintain good hygiene, aerate regularly, and intervene quickly if infestation occurs.
Did you know?
Arabian jasmine, also called "white jasmine" or "Arabian jasmine," is the national flower of several Asian countries including the Philippines and Indonesia. Its pure white flowers, intensely fragrant, have inspired wedding coronation traditions in South Asia for centuries. Its petals are also used to flavor certain prestigious teas, notably jasmine tea in the Chinese tradition.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.