Jasminum officinale, known as the common jasmine or simply jasmine, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. It is native to the Caucasus and parts of Asia, also widely naturalized. It is also known as summer jasmine, poet's jasmine, white jasmine, true jasmine or jessamine, and is particularly valued by gardeners throughout the temperate world for the intense fragrance of its flowers in summer. It is also the National flower of Pakistan.
Common Jasmine, also known as Jessamine or True Jasmine, has been renowned and cultivated for centuries. The name "jasmine" originates from the word "Yasameen," which means "the gift from God." Its fragrance is so extraordinary that many other fragrant flowering plants from different families are often mistakenly called "jasmine." To distinguish it from these imitations, Jasminum officinale is frequently referred to as "true jasmine."
Common jasmine is fairly resistant to disease and is not typically susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Common jasmine is well suited for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.
How to keep Jasminum Officinale.
Light
Common jasmine grows best with ample sunlight throughout the day. It can also tolerate settings where periods of sun alternate with shade. Coming from sunny habitats, it becomes weak if light is insufficient. Excessive sun exposure, however, can cause its leaves to scorch.
Water
Common jasmine thrives in its tropical habitat and requires consistent moisture and moderate humidity. To support its growth and blooming, it should be watered weekly. As an evergreen plant, common jasmine needs careful water management to prevent both drought stress and overwatering during its active growing season.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Common jasmine originates from habitats where temperatures typically range from 50 to 95 °F (10 to 35 ℃). It prefers a moderate climate throughout the year. During hotter seasons, adjusting shade may be necessary to preserve ideal conditions.
Fertilizer
Timing is essential for fertilizing Common jasmine. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly up to early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and provides energy during both dormant and active growth periods.
Pruning
Common jasmine thrives with its fragrant white flowers and robust growth. To encourage healthy development, it's important to prune regularly in early spring before new growth begins. This involves removing any dead or overcrowded stems to improve airflow. After the jasmine has finished flowering, a light trimming will help maintain its shape and promote healthy blooms, while also helping to prevent disease. For the best results, consult reliable sources for guidance specific to your local area.
Pot & Repot
Repot common jasmine every 2-3 years in early spring. Use a container that is the right size and fill it with well-draining soil. After repotting, water the plant regularly and place it in an area with partial sun to promote optimal recovery and growth.
Toxicity
Jasminum officinale has no toxic effects reported.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine, Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Jasminum
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-10
- Mature Height
- 0.4 m to 4.88 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 4.57 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Indonesia, Bhutan, Iran, Pakistan, China
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Common jasmine plant?
To ensure excellent root development for your plants, there are a few watering techniques you can use. Firstly, avoid directly spraying the leaves and focus on watering at the plant base. If your plants are outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves may require more water. One option is to use bubblers that can be placed on each plant to moisten the roots. Additionally, soaker hoses can be used to cover the entire garden or bed and help push the roots deeper when adding or removing plants. It's important to drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. When watering, do so at ground level to prevent diseases. On sunny days, it may be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Whether your plants are potted or in the ground, keep in mind that common jasmine prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Common jasmine?
Fertilizing your Common jasmine is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it will enhance the production of beautiful blooms. It is particularly effective to apply fertilizer in early spring to ensure excellent flowers during that season. Additionally, fertilizer provides your Common jasmine with ample energy that can be stored in the soil during dormant growth phases. By giving your Common jasmine extra nutrients during fall planting or in late spring, it will have more energy to utilize when it resumes active growth.
What are the sunlight requirements for Common Jasmine?
Common Jasmine, or Jasminum officinale, thrives best when it receives a generous amount of sunlight throughout the day, although it can also adapt to periods of partial sun mixed with shade. Originating from environments abundant in sunlight, it risks growing sickly if light is insufficient, while excessive direct sunlight exposure can lead to leaf scorching. It's important to monitor how sunlight moves through your garden space, aiming to position your plants where they can enjoy a healthy balance of light and shade, which is crucial for their growth and well-being.
What is the native climate for Common Jasmine?
Common jasmine, scientifically known as Jasminum officinale, is native to environments that typically have temperatures ranging from 50 to 95 °F (10 to 35 °C). It thrives in a moderate climate year-round. During hotter seasons, it may be necessary to adjust shading to maintain these ideal conditions for the plant.
What should I do if I give Common jasmine too much or too little water?
Common jasmine plants can display yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and wilting if they are overwatered. The stems may also become mushy, and the overall appearance of the plant may be dull and unhealthy. If these signs are present, it's beneficial to adjust your watering schedule. Wilting can also be a sign of underwatering, which is characterized by crispy, dry leaves. To determine if watering is necessary, check the soil for dryness. If the soil is dry, a thorough watering should be given. While sufficient water will help the plant recover, it might still exhibit dryness and yellowing leaves due to root damage. Once the plant returns to its normal state, the yellowing of leaves will cease. When Common jasmine is grown indoors, regularly check the soil moisture levels. Avoid overwatering, and watch out for black spots, which could indicate excess moisture. If black spots are present, allow the soil in the pot to dry out for a few days before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so transfer the plant to a different pot if you observe discolored and slimy roots. It is important to prevent root rot by avoiding excessively soggy soil. When planting Common jasmine outdoors, ensure that you dig slightly deeper and check for dry soil. Dry soil may indicate underwatering, thus requiring adequate watering to facilitate plant recovery.
When should I fertilize my Common jasmine plant?
Timing is crucial when fertilizing Common jasmine. It is not effective to use fertilizer too early when the Common jasmine is still dormant as it will be washed away by rainwater, resulting in waste and pollution. The first application of fertilizer should be done in the early spring and continue with monthly fertilization until early summer.
How should I handle indoor lighting for Common Jasmine?
For indoor Common Jasmine plants, ensuring adequate lighting is essential, especially when natural sunlight is not sufficient. This can be particularly true in winter or less sunny spaces. Artificial lighting becomes a critical solution for promoting healthy growth under such circumstances. LED lights are recommended for their ability to provide specific wavelengths needed for plant growth. The intensity of artificial light should range from 10-50W/sq ft, depending on whether the plant prefers full sun, partial sun, or full shade. Place the artificial light source 12-36 inches away from the plant to best mimic natural sunlight, and keep the lights on for about 8-12 hours per day to support optimal growth.
How does Common Jasmine handle cold temperatures?
Common jasmine possesses strong cold resistance and special frost protection measures are usually not necessary. However, in the event that winter temperatures are expected to plunge below -25°C, it is important to protect the plant against the cold. This can be done by wrapping the trunk and branches with non-woven fabric or cloth. Additionally, it's recommended to water the jasmine plant abundantly before the first freeze in autumn, ensuring the soil remains moist when it freezes. This helps to prevent drought and water scarcity during the winter and early spring.
How many times should I water my Common jasmine?
The Common jasmine plant requires deep watering but less frequently. If it is planted in a pot, you should soak it with a gallon of water each time due to limited water storage in pots. In cold regions, watering is needed every 3 to 5 days. Water the plant early in the morning when the soil is dry, whether it's indoors or outdoors. Check the soil inside the pot to determine if watering is needed - if the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. During hot days, check the moisture daily as the heat can quickly dry out the soil in the pot. For garden plants in hot climates, water once a week when about 2 to 3 inches of soil becomes too dry. Take into account rainfall and avoid over-watering to prevent root rot. Common jasmine typically grows in spring and fall. Adding 3 to 4 inches of mulch outdoors can conserve water. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering, while clay soil needs less frequent watering to avoid root rot. Keep track of watering dates and pay attention to drooping leaves as an indication of when to water.
When is it not a good idea to fertilize my Common jasmine?
To avoid issues with Common jasmine not blooming properly, it's important to be mindful of the fertilizer used. Too much nitrogen can result in excessive leaf growth but limited blooms. Therefore, opt for a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content compared to other nutrients. Furthermore, be cautious about fertilizing after early autumn, as this can lead to excessive growth right before winter. Additionally, refrain from fertilizing Common jasmine during hot and dry periods when the soil is dry. Dry soil doesn't effectively deliver fertilizer, and at this time, stimulating growth requires additional water that may not be readily available. It's advisable to apply fertilizer earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler. Lastly, remember that Common jasmine can absorb fertilizer applied to nearby plants or lawns, so be cautious to avoid inadvertently over-fertilizing trees or shrubs in the vicinity.
What symptoms indicate insufficient light for Common Jasmine?
Common Jasmine may exhibit several symptoms when not receiving enough light, which can include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted growth, lighter-colored or irregularly patterned new leaves indicating a lack of chlorophyll, and symptoms of too much light such as chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms suggest the plant is not in an ideal lighting condition, and adjustments should be made to meet its light requirements effectively.
What are the symptoms and solutions for Common Jasmine when exposed to low temperatures?
Common jasmine is known for its cold tolerance, best thriving above 10°C. During winters, it should be kept above -15°C. If temperatures fall below -25°C, the jasmine might not show immediate changes, but come spring, its branches may become brittle, dry, and fail to produce new shoots. The solution in spring is to prune away any dead branches that have failed to produce new leaves, encouraging healthy growth.