Orange jasmine
Murraya paniculata · Rutaceae
📷 Chiring chandan · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant orange jasmine: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Arabian Jasmine, Indian Orange
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy green
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn, fragrant white flowers
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 3 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Tender, 10-12°C minimum
- Origin
- South and Southeast Asia
- Soil type
- Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. In winter, space out watering but don't let the soil dry out completely. Use non-limey water if possible, and mist the foliage occasionally to encourage flowering.
Light exposure
Position the plant in a very bright location, in indirect light or light shade. It will tolerate direct sun for a few hours a day. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, which can cause flower drop.
Substrate and soil
Use rich, light, well-draining potting soil enriched with compost or peat. Adding perlite or sand improves drainage. A slightly acidic pH promotes better nutrient uptake.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one slightly enriched in phosphorus once or twice a month during the growing season (spring-autumn). Reduce or stop feeding in winter. Regular applications promote abundant flowering.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, branched form. Remove weak or crossing branches. Regular pruning encourages flower production and rejuvenates the plant.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and scale insects, particularly in dry air. Good humidity control and proper ventilation limit these risks. Clean the foliage regularly to prevent dust buildup.
Did you know?
Murraya paniculata is highly appreciated in Southeast Asia, particularly in India and Thailand, where its deliciously fragrant white flowers symbolize love and fortune. Its small, grape-like red berries are edible on certain species of the genus, but this varies by cultivated variety. Its popular name 'Arabian Jasmine' is a tribute to its intense fragrance, although it is not a true jasmine.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.