Jasmine: Long Flowering & Fragrant

Jasmine Plant Long Flowering & Fragrant

The jasmine plant is known for its beauty and fragrant odour that fills the spring, summer and early autumn air. The jasmine vine or shrub belongs to the olive family. It is native to areas with warm and tropical climates in Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia and is sought after all over the world for its varieties, specifically those with intoxicatingly lovely scents. There are currently over 150 different types of the jasmine plant species grown worldwide. Jasminum officinale, or common white jasmine, is the most widely known species in the jasmine plant family. White jasmine is also called the poet’s jasmine. Due to its popularity, it is often referred to as just jasmine. A lot of people who are not avid gardeners are not even aware of the profusion of jasmine plant types. This may be because many other types of jasminum species do not have a scent. You may be one of the many people hypnotised by the jasmine plant’s aroma. So why not liven up your home garden with stunning jasmine flowers for the upcoming warm seasons?

Although not a real Jasmine…..

Pictured is Jasmine Stephanotis – sometimes called Madagascan Jasmine.

Best Time to Plant Jasmine

It’s best to plant white jasmine in the spring after the frosts have gone in Australia because it will not perform well in frosty cold temperatures when first planted. Jasmine needs to be planted in moist, well-drained soil in a space where it will receive at least 4 hours of full sunlight.

Jasmine Plant Care

Even though your jasmine vine will need sunlight, be sure to place it in a spot where it will also have some shade. This is needed especially during midday when the sun’s temperatures can prove to be too harsh. Make sure you do not put your plant in a place where it will get a lot of wind as this may also cause undesirable results. Similarly to other vine plant types, white jasmine should have great framework support. It may take the jasmine flower up to 6 to 8 weeks to bloom but once grown, it will have a long flowering habit throughout the season. Jasmine flowers bloom from spring to autumn and then have a rest period through mid-to-late autumn until the next spring. It grows quickly and will need careful continuous pruning in order to keep it from becoming unmanageable.

Fertiliser for jasmine plant

Fertilise your jasmine plant no more than bi-weekly with fertiliser that is high in potassium and phosphorus. Your soil should be moderately fertile when you plant your white jasmine and will need fertiliser after heavy pruning.

White Jasmine not the same as Star Jasmine

Often confused with white jasmine, star jasmine is a fragrant, easy to grow plant. Unlike white jasmine, it does not belong to the jasmine plant family despite its name. Star jasmine is quite popular in places like Australia, where they can be spotted in many neighbourhood gardens. Star jasmine plant care is basically the same as white jasmine. If you plant either jasmine in multiple areas in your garden they should be at a minimum 8 feet apart. Both plant types can be grown indoors with similar care in regards to sunlight, soil type, and pruning. These plants will require repotting because of their vine like nature. These jasmine plants common cause of death is over indulgence. If they do not receive a proper balance of sun, water and warm and cool temperatures, they will likely not survive. Overall, jasmine will flower a long time with the care and attention of a gentle gardener.