Jasminum
Common Name(s):
- Description
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Jasminium is a genus of perennial, flowering shrubs or vines with over 200 species in the Oleaceae (olive) family. The plants are native to tropical and subtropical areas and can be either trees, shrubs, or vines. Many of the vine species make good container plants. Members of this genus can be evergreen or deciduous. Jasmines are most well known for the fragrance of their flowers. The genus name is medieval Latin for the Persian name yasmin or yasamin.
Jasmines need full sun for optimal health or at least bright light. Most will need moist, well-drained soil, though some species are somewhat tolerant of dry soils. While some specimens can grow up to 20 ft, container plants will usually stay at 4-5 ft and are easily pruned to size. Prune after flowering to ensure good bud set for the next season.
Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems:
Aphids or spider mites, leaf spot, and root rot can occur; however, insect and disease problems are uncommon for outdoor plants. Problems are more likely to occur for plants brought indoors for the winter.
VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- J. beesianum, J. nudiflorum, J. officinale, J. x stephanense
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- J. beesianum, J. nudiflorum, J. officinale, J. x stephanense
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Jasminum
- Family:
- Oleaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Tropical and Subtropical regions, Central China, Pacific Islands
- Distribution:
- Introduced Georgia west to Texas, Central America, Mediterranean.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Shrub
- Tree
- Vine
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Erect
- Spreading
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- 6-feet-12 feet
- 12-24 feet
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- Berries turn black when ripe
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- 6 petals/rays
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Flowers are usually about 1 inch across and can be white. pink, or yellow in color and very fragrant. Flowers are either solitary or in terminal cymose clusters of at least three flowers with 4 to 9 petals. Most are star-shaped with tubular bases. Double-flowered cultivars are available.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Undulate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves vary between species; some are odd-pinnate compound and others simple, some are more ovate while others lanceolate, some have entire margins while others are undulate. Most houseplant species have opposite arrangement and entire margins.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Specimen
