Showy Jasmine Chrysojasminum floridum

Flowering jasmine is a showy, semi-evergreen, scrambling or sprawling shrub from central China. It is a member of the olive family (Oleaceae), although it differs from other members of the family by having alternate, not opposite, leaves. This feature makes it easy to distinguish species of Chrysojasminun from yellow-flowered jasmines (Jasminum) such as winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum). Chrysojasminum is a genus recently separated from Jasminum. The genus name means “golden Jasminum,” and the species epithet means “abundantly flowering.”

This plant is drought-tolerant, tolerant of partial shade and does well in sterile soils (good in clear-cut areas or around new construction). It  has a rapid growth rate. Flowering jasmine roots easily where arching branches touch the soil. Its cane-like growth can rapidly create colonies, which can cause the plant to look messy if not pruned.

Flowering jasmine grows up to 5 feet tall forming a dense haystack of slender, arching, fountain-like, green stems. This plant blooms in early summer and sporadically into fall. Each flower cluster has 6 or more flowers.

It is commonly planted on slopes, in raised planters, in foundations, as a specimen, and on overhanging walls. Consider using it in rock gardens, Asian gardens, or dry gardens.

Quick ID Hints:

• Semi-evergreen shrub with arching, quadrangular stems
• Leaves are alternate and ternately compound.
• Yellow, 5-lobed flowers in the late spring and persist into fall.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Generally free of serious pests and diseases. Insect pests may include aphids, scale insects and mealybugs.