On warm summer evenings, my patio smells incredible. The sweet and heady scent drifts through the garden just as the air starts to cool and if the kitchen window is open, it fills the house too.

It’s the sort of fragrance that makes you pause mid-task just to breathe it in, and the funny thing is, I never planned it. In fact, the one plant that perfumes our patio every summer started as a completely impulsive purchase.

Then one day a neighbour was selling plants to raise money for a hospice, and I spotted a pot of common jasmine (Jasminum officinale). I bought it without much thought and, true to form, handed it straight over to my husband – a professional gardener – and asked him to work his magic with it.

God love the man, he did exactly that.

Why I Recommend Jasmine to Everyone

Honestly, it took less than a season for that potted jasmine to scramble happily across the fence, turning that forgettable side passage into a curtain of green. And when it blooms, it really blooms: clouds of small, starry white flowers that release one of the most intoxicating fragrances in the plant world.

The plant doesn’t stop earning its keep when the flowers fade, either. Right now, it's sporting some very glossy black berries (highly poisonous to humans but loved by birds) which add a surprising amount of seasonal interest when the rest of the garden is looking tired.

For a budget plant I bought on a whim, it has become one of the hardest-working plants in my garden. But, with more than 200 species of jasmine, though, there are plenty of alternatives depending on your climate and garden style...

Which Jasmine is Best for You?

Look, I'm biased; I love common jasmine (best suited to USDA Planting Zones 7-10) and I'm far from alone, as it's one of the most widely grown climbers for fragrance.

It’s vigorous, easy to grow, and perfect for covering fences, pergolas or walls. But, if you fancy something a little different...

The best part about my jasmine? I do almost nothing to it. I often forget it’s even there, quietly covering the fence while I get on with everything else. Then summer rolls around and it reminds me why I planted it.

Every year, when the evenings get warm enough, I let my two little girls take their baths outside on the patio. They each have a tub filled with warm water and bubbles, and while they splash around watching birds dart across the garden before the evening chorus begins, the scent of jasmine drifts through the air from its spot down the side of the house.

It perfumes the whole space. It's brilliant for fireflies, bats, and other useful pest-chomping pollinators. And it's beautifully, wonderfully, outrageously romantic, too.

Not bad for the one plant I bought completely on a whim, right?

Shop Jasmine Planting Essentials

In most cases, flowers use scent to either attract or repel insects and other pests.

However, some floral scents are simply too sweet for gardeners to ignore. 

The addition of fragrant plants to the landscape can truly help to transform one’s backyard into an enjoyable outdoor space. 

Various types of jasmine are specifically known for their intense aroma. Learning more about fragrant jasmine plants can help growers to better determine which species will grow best in their own ornamental beds. 

Here are some of our favorite fragrant jasmine plants.

Most Fragrant Jasmine Plants

1. Angel Wing Jasmine - When planting a jasmine that smells good, growers will first need to consider the plant’s size. Angel wing jasmine is ideal for many gardeners due to its low, sprawling growth habit. This makes it easy to grow in pots and in smaller containers. Each plant will produce masses of small, star-shaped white flowers. 
2. Arabian Jasmine - Another tropical species, Arabian jasmine produces thick glossy leaves and small white flowers. Arabian jasmine is most frequently grown near paths and patios where their immense fragrance can be enjoyed by passersby. Vining Arabian jasmine plants may require staking or a small trellis when grown in flower beds. 
3. Common White Jasmine - Also known as poet’s jasmine, common white jasmine plants are those most commonly found in the home landscape. Hardy to USDA growing zones 8-10, large plants can reach lengths of up to 15 ft. (4.5 m). This means that each plant will require a strong, supportive trellis. 
4. Crape Jasmine - Crape jasmine are among the most ornamental species of jasmine. Large, white semi to fully double blooms are held high above glossy foliage. These plants are especially fragrant at sunset and during the evening hours. Though this fragrant jasmine plant can be grown in containers, it will require frequent pruning to maintain the desired shape and size. 
5. Pink Jasmine - Another of the more hardy types of jasmine, pink jasmine or jasminum polyanthum, can be grown in USDA zones 8-10. Rather than producing more common white flowers, this jasmine opens in a vibrant shade of light pink. As the bloom ages, flowers fade to a white-cream color. Pink jasmine plants are among the largest species of jasmine. This makes them ideal for growth along fences and over arbors.

In warmer growing zones, jasmine has long been planted as an attractive addition to landscapes. While jasmine flowers are quite small, ornamental gardeners are drawn to the plant’s alluring fragrance. One specific type of jasmine, called the Arabian jasmine plant, is especially popular due to its small growth habit and adaptability. 

What is Sambac Jasmine?

From early spring throughout summer, jasmine plants will begin to produce a profusion of petite white blooms that open at sunset. Intensely aromatic, Arabian jasmine plants are ideal for use as potted plants and in borders near sidewalks and porches where passersby can stop to enjoy their scent. Also known as sambac jasmine, Arabian jasmine flowers are hardy to USDA zones 9-11. Since the plant’s size and shape can be easily manipulated, many gardeners ask, is Arabian jasmine a vine? As a vining plant, the low growing flower can reach lengths of up to 10 ft. (3 m), but is often pruned to maintain a more compact size.

Growing Arabian Jasmine Outdoors

Growing Arabian jasmine outdoors will require that gardens are frost free throughout the entire year, as exposure to cold temperatures can severely damage the plants. Site selection will also be of great importance. Gardeners should plant in a well-draining garden bed that receives part sun and bright, indirect light for most of the day. Though Arabian jasmine plants can tolerate a range of soil conditions, flowers will perform best in those which have been amended with a high quality finished compost. 

Once established, care for Arabian jasmine plants is minimal. In fact, this jasmine is resistant to most issues related to disease and insect pressure. Those growing Arabian jasmine outdoors should consider routine fertilization and irrigation throughout the months of active plant growth. Watering will be especially necessary in regions which may experience prolonged periods of high temperatures and/or drought. With little care, even novice growers will be able to enjoy an attractive jasmine landscape planting season after season. 

Jasmine Trellis Training: Grow Jasmine on A Trellis

Jasmine is a beautiful plant that gardeners treasure for its intoxicating aroma. You can find many different types of jasmine. Some are shrubbier than others, but all create vines. Growing jasmine on a trellis is a great way to showcase this beauty and its aromatic flowers.

Trellises are simply supports for a plant to climb on as it grows, and they can be anything from a fence, lattice or frame, or even the side of a building, so the sky is the limit.

Where to buy?

Jasmine Trellis Ideas

When creating a jasmine trellis, feel free to get creative. You can aim for symmetry or train the plant to grow a pattern or shape, like a swoop or swirl. Just be sure your trellis is sturdy enough to withstand having more weight on one side than another.

A good trellis for jasmine training should be sturdy and either supported by another structure or dug into the ground for stability. While jasmine is not necessarily a heavy plant, it can overwhelm a flimsy structure.

• A trellis situated against a wall lets a jasmine vine appear to climb the house. You can paint the trellis to match the color of the wall so it “disappears,” showcasing the vine.
• Another good idea is to use an arbor or pergola as a trellis. Train the vines to grow up and over it to create a flowering arch or entrance to your garden.
• A simple criss-cross grid structure made from wood or bamboo will work well for jasmine if the trellis is stable.
• Try a French version with an obelisk-shaped trellis that will allow the plant to grow up in the shape of the Eiffel Tower. This is a space saver, as well as being beautiful.
• If you are an ambitious do-it-yourselfer, try connecting pliable tree branches with garden twine or wire to create an interesting structure on which your jasmine can creep and cling.
• Old bed frames, wide chicken wire and many other materials can serve as a trellis for jasmine, as long as they are sturdy. Check online or your local garden center for ideas, and find materials you already have to help your jasmine plant along.

How to Train a Climbing Jasmine Plant

Start by situating your jasmine plant in the right location. Jasmine plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They also like fertile, well-drained soil. Most types of jasmine require a warmer climate. If your area is borderline for growing jasmine, choose a sheltered location.

Decide where you’d like the jasmine plant to climb, then plant it right at the base and center of the trellis. If the type you have chosen is more vine than shrub, secure the base of the main vine to the base of the trellis. The shrubbier types of jasmine are more stable and don’t need to be secured at the base.

As the jasmine grows, attach vines and new growth to the trellis, and if appropriate, weave the branches in and out of the trellis. You can use any type of material to attach the vines to the trellis. Zip ties are easy to use, and you can snip off the ends to keep them looking tidy. Garden twine or soft strips of cloth are other good options.

Be sure to space out the new vines and side shoots as you attach them to the trellis. Overcrowding can lead to poor growth. If a side shoot is going in a direction you don’t like, redirect it or snip it off.

Once you have a shape you like, maintain it. Jasmine needs yearly pruning to stay tidy and an appropriate size. For this, you'll need a sharp set of pruners like the Felco F6 Pruning Shears from Amazon. For varieties that flower on old growth, wait until the blooms are spent to prune. For all others, late winter or early spring are good times for pruning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jasmine a Good Trellis Plant?

Yes, jasmine is a great choice for training to a trellis and is not as heavy as some vining plants. The holes in the trellis make it easy to use zip ties or other materials to attach the vines and new growth.

Which Jasmine is Best for Climbing?

Any jasmine can be trained to climb. Even shrub-like types like winter jasmine, for example, throw off vines that can be trained to a trellis. The types that are more vine than shrub are easiest to train and include white jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum), common jasmine (Jasminum officinale), and star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides).

If you are lucky enough to have a star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) in your garden, you doubtless appreciate its generous growth, frothy white blossoms, and sweet fragrance. This vining plant is vibrant and energetic, foaming over supports, up trees, and along fences. Over time, however, trimming star jasmine becomes essential. If you are wondering how and when to cut back star jasmine, read on.

Trimming Star Jasmine

You love your star jasmine but it’s expanded too much and is growing out of control. Don’t worry. Cutting back star jasmines isn’t difficult and the plants recover quickly. You may want to start cutting back star jasmines on an annual basis to keep the plants within bounds. If you inherit a neglected plant, you may need to do severe pruning to get it back on a better track.

When to Cut Back Star Jasmine

Are you wondering when to cut back star jasmine? Although deciduous vines can be pruned while dormant, star jasmine is not deciduous. Star jasmine grows as an evergreen in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. However, its growth slows down during winter and early spring. Early spring is a good time to start pruning a star jasmine. This gives the plant enough time to start new growth and set flower buds for summer blooming. However, some experts prefer pruning just after flowering.

How to Prune Star Jasmine

The best way to start pruning star jasmine depends on the state of the plant. Is it wildly overgrown or just untidy? If the jasmine is growing on a support, you’ll need to detach and unravel the vines. At this point, it’s time to start pruning a star jasmine. If the plant is just a little overgrown, cut a few vines back by one-third, making slanted cuts just over a bud. If the vine is terribly overgrown, you can reduce each vine by one-half. Again, each cut should be made on the diagonal, just ahead of a bud. After pruning a star jasmine, pick up the cut pieces and dispose of them. You’ll need to attach the remaining vines to the support with ties. How to prune star jasmine used for groundcover? Pruning a star jasmine growing on the ground is easiest with a powered trimmer. Shear the entire plant to the height you prefer.

When you are thinking of hedge plants for your garden, consider using star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Is star jasmine a good candidate for hedges? Many gardeners think so. Growing a jasmine hedge is easy, and the result is sure to be beautiful. If you are wondering how to grow star jasmine as a hedge, read on. We’ll also give you some tips on pruning jasmine hedges.

Is Star Jasmine Good for Hedges?

Instead of the usual evergreen conifer hedge, consider using the beautiful star jasmine vine. Is star jasmine good for hedges? It is. A hedge of star jasmine grows fast and is highly decorative with the coveted fragrant blossoms. Star jasmine is usually grown as a vine that can cover a tall wall or trellis quickly once the plant’s root system gets established. You can create a hedge of star jasmine vine by regular and strategic pruning. The vine thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10.

How to Grow Star Jasmine as a Hedge

If you want to know how to grow star jasmine as a hedge, it is mostly a question of proper pruning. Left to its own devices, this jasmine grows up the side of your house, trellis, or fence. The key to growing a jasmine hedge is to prune early and often. Prepare the soil in the area you want to start growing a jasmine hedge. Plan on a depth of at least 2 feet (61 cm.), then chart out the length that you want the hedge of star jasmine. Work organic compost into the soil. Purchase enough star jasmine plants for the hedge, counting one every 5 feet (1.5 m.). Dig the planting holes for each, as deep as but wider than the containers. Plant each star jasmine and water well. Keep the soil moist but not wet.

Pruning Jasmine Hedges

You want those plants to grow into a hedge of star jasmine, not vines. Therefore, you’ll need to pinch off the tips of new shoots as they appear. This forces the plants to produce lateral branches rather than shooting up into vines. Keep pruning jasmine hedges as they grow. The best time to trim off excess growth is when the flowers fade. Regular and consistent pruning will create a solid hedge some 2 feet (61 cm.) tall. You can create a taller hedge by using a support or trellis.

What is showy jasmine? Also known as Florida jasmine, showy jasmine (Jasminium floridium) produces shiny, blue-green foliage with masses of sweet-smelling, bright yellow flowers in spring and early summer. Mature stems turn a rich, reddish brown as the season progresses. Here’s how to grow one of the sunniest types of jasmine.

Growing Showy Jasmine

Showy jasmine plants can be trimmed to form a neat shrub or hedge, but they are at their best when left to sprawl across the ground or climb over a wire fence. Use showy jasmine plants to stabilize the soil on a difficult slope, or plant one in a large container where the arching vines will cascade over the rim.

Showy jasmine plants reach mature heights of 3 to 4 feet (1 m.) with a spread of 6 to 10 feet (1-3 m.). Showy jasmine plants are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.

This versatile plant is easy to propagate by planting cuttings from a healthy, mature plant.

Showy jasmine is adaptable to a variety of conditions, but it performs best in full sunlight and well-drained, acidic soil. Allow 36 to 48 inches (91-120 cm.) between plants.

Showy Jasmine Care

If you have some experience with jasmine care, then you won't have any problems with Florida jasmine. Water plants regularly during the first growing season. Once the plant is established, showy jasmine is drought-tolerant and requires supplemental water only occasionally, especially during hot, dry weather.

Feed showy jasmine before new growth appears in spring, using any general-purpose fertilizer. Prune showy jasmine plants after flowering ends in summer.

Jasmine offers many pleasures in a garden. The flowers—usually white but sometimes pink or yellow—foam over walls and up trellises in springtime or summer, and many species have that powerful, honeyed perfume. This is one plant that can stand alone in a garden but finding companion plants for jasmine isn’t difficult. The contrasting colors and textures of other blossoms also add appeal. What grows well with jasmine? Read on for some ideas for jasmine companion plants.

What Grows Well with Jasmine?

The best companion plants for jasmine are plants that have the same sun, soil, and irrigation requirements. When you begin jasmine companion planting, it’s important to identify your jasmine first. You’ll find some 200 varieties of jasmine plants available in commerce. Some are evergreen, some semi-evergreen, and some deciduous shrubs or vines. Most, but not all, prefer a sunny location, well-draining loamy soil, and regular irrigation. Plants that like jasmine in a garden are those that share the same sun, soil, and water requirements.

Jasmine Companion Planting

It’s easier to understand companion planting if you think of your garden as a community. Like individuals in a human community, plants in a garden impact each other. Ideally, they aid each other or complement one another. Companion planting means selecting plants that benefit each other in some way. The classic example of companion planting is the Native American planting combination of corn, beans, and squash. Beans produce the nitrogen that corn requires to thrive. At the same time, the beans use the corn stalk as stakes, and their leaves encircling the corn stalk confuse the corn earworm moth. The squash grows low to the ground, keeping down weeds. So, what grows well with jasmine? Clematis vines have similar growth requirements as jasmine and make great jasmine companion plants. Clematis vines are plants that like jasmine and thrive in the same conditions. You can select a clematis that complements and/or contrasts with your jasmine. If your jasmine grows yellow flowers, consider planting clematis with deep blue flowers. The marsh clematis (Clematis crispa) produces blue flowers shaped like bells all summer long. What clematis grows well with jasmine shrubs growing classic white flowers? Select clematis with dark purple blooms like Jackmanii clematis (Clematis x jackmanii) or “Julka” clematis (Clematis x “Julka”). The former grows to 12 feet (4 m.), while the latter tops out at 8 feet (2 m.). Both make excellent choices for jasmine companion planting. As long as the plants you choose share similar requirements and look attractive together, then it’s a fairly good bet that they’ll make exceptional companions in the garden.

Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is one of the earliest flowering plants to bloom, often in January. It has none of the characteristic scents of the family, but the cheery, buttery blooms help dispel winter gloom and bring encouragement to the cabin-fevered gardener. This decorative plant is quick to establish and winter jasmine care is a breeze. Learn how to grow winter jasmine and perk up your cold season garden.

Winter Jasmine Information

Any type of flower in winter seems like a major miracle. Cold-season blooms are rare, but winter jasmine is a scrabbly shrub that will start the gardener thinking of spring sunshine and summer heat. Jasmine has a deeply sweet scent, but an interesting piece of winter jasmine information is its lack of scent. 

Still, these starry little blooms are magical surprises in a cold-season landscape, and caring for winter jasmine is a low-maintenance chore that makes the plant a lazy gardener's favorite. Winter jasmine is not a true climbing plant, but it does tend to scramble over structures and hold itself up with the assistance of other plants or support structures. 

The glossy, green leaves are deciduous and attached to deeply green stems. In early January, small, buttery yellow, five petaled flowers appear. Each is ½ to 1 inch (1-2.5 cm.) wide and scentless. 

Winter jasmine information should include its family, which is the Olive family, and the fact that it is the most winter hardy of the jasmine species. It was introduced in 1844 through a plant collector who had purchased it in Shanghai, China.

Winter Jasmine Growing Tips

Winter jasmine prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Remarkably, it does not seem fussy about the quality of the soil, but the addition of some compost may be beneficial. 

Use winter jasmine to obstruct ugly walls and fences, as a groundcover, or grown over a trellis with training. Winter jasmine may actually get a bit weedy as its stems root at the internodes and start new plants. Plants can achieve 4 to 15 feet (1-5 m.) in height, but they are easy to keep in habit with a bit of trimming.

Winter Jasmine Care

Plants need regular moisture, especially in summer. Place mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Fertilize winter jasmine in spring after the blooms have faded. 

An important part of caring for winter jasmine if you wish to have it grow vertically is training. Establish a trellis or another structure at planting and tie up stems as they get longer. For vertical growth, remove the side shoots when the plant is young. 

Every few years as the stems turn brown and flower production declines, trim after blooming to just a few inches (8 cm.) above the ground. The stems will quickly reestablish themselves and growth will be tighter and less leggy with more blooms. 

Now that you know how to grow winter jasmine, you can use this pretty, easy-to-grow plant to spice up your winter landscape.

Look before you leap when it comes to planting Asian jasmine vines. You may be attracted by the plant’s small, dark green leaves and pretty white flowers, or its reputation as an easy groundcover. However, once you lose control of jasmine, keeping it where you want it can be difficult. Read on for more information about how to control Asian jasmine.

Information about Asian Jasmine

Asian jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) grows in the wild in Korea and Japan and is used as a groundcover in this country. It covers your backyard or the wall of your garage rapidly, and survives cooler weather better than many other jasmines. Asian jasmine is planted by homeowners as a quick, low-cost groundcover. The trick to Asiatic jasmine control is to act early to set boundaries for it. Decide where you want the plant and chop it down whenever it moves out of this range.

How to Control Asian Jasmine

If you plant Asian jasmine in your yard, mow the shrub religiously. Calendar periodic mowing appointments and never, ever skip them. It is easy to lose control of jasmine plants. Whenever a branch of this plant touches the soil, that piece sprouts roots. If you allow it to take over your yard, it can be virtually impossible to eradicate. Pruning jasmine vines will work, over time, to reduce the strength of Asian jasmine. Prune the stems ruthlessly right to the ground, or mow them at ground level to get rid of all leaves and stems. This may discourage it since it needs foliage to manufacture its food. The problem with Asian jasmine is that killing the stems and leaves– whether by pruning jasmine vines or by spraying them with herbicide– does not kill the roots. So control of Asian jasmine involves preventing the roots from traveling far afield. Pulling out the plant with as many roots as possible is more effective than pruning jasmine vines. It may enable you to take control of jasmine that has overrun your yard. However, this requires a lot of time and effort on your part.

Asiatic Jasmine Control with Herbicides

If your jasmine vine is near or tangled up with other desirable shrubs, using herbicides may not be a productive idea. No herbicide eliminates the one without also killing the other. You’ll need to use a shielded spray and go slowly. You can try painting the foliage of the Asian jasmine with herbicide. However, remember that killing the above-ground portion of this vine does not kill the roots.

If your jasmine has white spots, it’s time to diagnose the problem and treat it. White spots on jasmine leaves may be nothing serious, but they may also indicate a disease or pests. Read on for more information about jasmine plant leaf problems.

Common Jasmine Plant Leaf Problems

Many species of jasmine are tough enough to withstand most diseases. Jasmine also tends not to suffer damage from insect pests. However, some diseases and pests can strike any ornamental shrub, and jasmine species are not completely immune. One fairly common problem that causes jasmine plant leaf problems is called leaf spot and it is caused by fungi. Look for irregular tan or brown spots, round or oval, that appear on the leaves in July or August. Leaf spot is particularly prevalent in cool weather with frequent light rains or high humidity. It isn’t too serious if leaf spot creates a few white spots on jasmine leaves, but if defoliation results, it is more serious. To prevent a re-occurrence of leaf spot the following year, fertilize the plant appropriately in springtime and prune it to remove weak or dying branches. You should not use fungicidal sprays unless the jasmine’s life is in danger. Jasmine leaves turning white can be caused by other things too. If your jasmine has white spots on its leaves, look at them more closely. If the spots look powdery, the white spots on jasmine leaves could be powdery mildew or powdery mold. Control these conditions by using an appropriate fungicide spray and repeating every two weeks until you have done three sprayings. White spots on jasmine leaves can be insects. If the white spots on jasmine leaves are actually eggs or very small moths, the culprit might be a species of whitefly. Whiteflies are tiny insects that feed on the underside of jasmine foliage. They also lay eggs on the underside of leaves. Treat your infected jasmine leaves with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray. These remedies aren’t toxic to you or your pets but will get rid of the whiteflies in short order.

Italian jasmine shrubs (Jasminum humile) please gardeners in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10 with their glossy green leaves, fragrant buttercup yellow flowers, and shiny black berries. They are also called Italian yellow jasmine shrubs. Planted appropriately, Italian yellow jasmine is an easy-care plant requiring little human intervention. Read on for information about caring for and pruning Italian jasmines.

Italian Jasmine Shrubs

Italian jasmine shrubs come from western China. They were imported into this country for ornamental purposes. Many gardeners grow this shrub for the pretty, Italian jasmine flower that attracts bees and hummingbirds in summer. These yellow blossoms develop into black berries by autumn. The flowers appear in waves in May and June. The Italian jasmine flower returns over the summer in smaller amounts, contrasting beautifully with the brilliant green leaves that remain on the bush all winter in mild climates. These Italian yellow jasmine shrubs grow fairly quickly, especially if given regular irrigation in summer. They achieve their full height of 12 to 15 feet (4-4.5 m.) in five to ten years. The cultivar ‘Revolutum’ is a popular, fast-growing choice for flower borders and beds.

Growing Italian Jasmine

Growing Italian jasmine starts with planting the shrubs in a good site. The ideal growing site for Italian jasmine shrubs is a warm, sheltered area where the plants get full sun and enjoy well-drained soil. If you can give your plants these conditions, the Italian jasmine flower scent will be sweet and strong. However, if the ideal is not possible, you can also try growing Italian jasmine in areas with only partial sun. They can also tolerate chillier locations as long as they are planted in soil that drains well. If you begin growing Italian jasmine, you’ll find it to be a rangy plant. Although it climbs like a vine to 12 to 15 feet (4-4.5 m.) high, you will do best to treat it like you would a climbing rose, tying its branches to a trellis as they develop. On the other hand, you won’t expend much energy in caring for the shrubs. Italian jasmine shrubs are generally disease free and need neither pesticides nor spraying for vibrant good health. You may need to start pruning Italian jasmines if they grow beyond their allotted area, however. These undemanding shrubs grow well in almost any type of soil, whether it be acid, alkaline, or neutral. They can grow happily in clay, sand, chalk, or in loam as long as the soil drains well, making exceptional additions to the landscape.

Also called Confederate jasmine, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a vine that produces highly fragrant, white blossoms that attract bees. Native to China and Japan, it does very well in California and the southern U.S., where it provides excellent ground cover and climbing decoration. Keep reading to learn about growing star jasmine vine in your garden.

Growing Star Jasmine Vine

Gardeners in warm climates (USDA Zones 8-10) can grow star jasmine as ground cover, where it will overwinter. This is ideal, as star jasmine can be slow to grow at first and may take some time to get established. Once mature, it will reach a height and spread of 3 to 6 feet (1-2 m.). 

Prune any upward reaching shoots to maintain an even height. In addition to ground cover, star jasmine plants climb well and can be trained to grow on trellises, doorways, and posts to make for beautiful, fragrant decorations. 

In areas any cooler than Zone 8, you should plant your star jasmine in a pot that can be brought inside during the colder months, or treat it as an annual. Once it gets going, it will bloom most in the spring, with more sporadic blooming throughout the summer. The blossoms are pure white, pinwheel shaped, and beautifully perfumed.

How and When To Plant Star Jasmine in the Garden

Star jasmine care is very minimal. Star jasmine plants will grow in a variety of soils, and though they bloom best in full sun, they do well in partial shade and will even tolerate heavy shade. 

Space your star jasmine plants five feet (1.5 m.) apart if you’re using them as ground cover. Star jasmine can be planted at any time, usually as cuttings propagated from another plant. It’s disease and pest hardy, though you may see trouble from Japanese beetles, scales, and sooty mold.

Jasmine is a gorgeous vining or shrubby plant that shines in good, well-drained soil and full sunlight, but happily adapts to less than perfect conditions. Although the plant is easy to grow, pests or environmental problems can cause yellow leaves on jasmine plants. Read on to learn about causes for jasmine leaves turning yellow and how to treat yellowing jasmine foliage.

Reasons for Jasmine Leaves Turning Yellow

Below are the most common issues to look at when a jasmine has yellow leaves.

Pests

Pests may be the culprits if your jasmine has yellow leaves. Rule out a pest infestation before you move on to more complicated troubleshooting. If you discover an infestation, treat the pests with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

• Scale: Scale is a tiny, sap-sucking pest that attaches itself to jasmine stems and leaves. Scale is recognized by its protective covering, which may be a waxy substance or a hard shell, depending on the type of scale.
• Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny pests, easily recognized by a whitish covering that may be mealy, waxy, or cottony. Like scale, the bug causes the leaves to turn yellow by sucking the sap from the foliage. If the plant is small, use a toothpick to pick off the masses by hand.
• Spider Mites: Spider mites are yet another sap-sucking pest. The tiny, dot-like pests are difficult to spot with the native eye, but you will probably notice the telltale webbing on leaves. They are attracted to dry, dusty conditions, so be sure to water properly and keep the leaves clean.

Environmental Problems

Yellowing jasmine foliage can also come from issues within its growing environment, including cultural problems. Nutrient Problems: Jasmine plants are susceptible to chlorosis, a condition that results when the plant lacks nutrients-- usually iron. However, deficiencies in zinc and manganese can also cause chlorosis, which begins with stunted growth and pale green or yellowing leaves, depending on the severity of the deficiency. A foliar spray of chelated nutrients may improve the condition, but probably only temporarily. A soil test is the only sure way to determine soil deficiencies that may be responsible if jasmine leaves are yellow. Improper Watering: It may sound contradictory, but both too much and too little water can cause yellow leaves on jasmine plants. Jasmine performs best in rich, organic, well-drained soil. The soil should be moist, but slightly dry soil is preferably too soggy, waterlogged soil, which can not only cause yellow leaves, but can kill the plant. pH Problems: Yellowing jasmine foliage also occurs with poor soil conditions. Although jasmine is forgiving, it prefers acidic soil. If your soil is highly alkaline, this imbalance may cause yellow leaves. An application of sulfur or addition of woody organic matter can help balance the pH, but be sure to have your soil tested before you attempt to make corrections.

Thoughts of jasmine call to mind summer evenings scented with a heady, floral fragrance that seems to hang in the air. While some varieties of jasmine plants are among the most fragrant plants you can grow, not all are scented. Read on to find out about the different jasmine varieties and their characteristics.

Jasmine Plant Types

Below are some of the most common jasmine vines grown in the landscape or in the home:

• Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale), sometimes called poet's jasmine, is one of the most fragrant types of jasmine. The intensely fragrant flowers bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. Expect the plant to grow 12 to 24 inches (30.5-61 cm.) each year, eventually reaching a height of 10 to 15 feet (3-4.5 m.). Common jasmine is perfect for archways and entryways. They need frequent pinching and pruning to keep them bushy but in control.
• Showy jasmine (J. floridum) seems misnamed because the little 1-inch (2.5 cm.) flowers that bloom in spring aren't very showy at all. It is grown primarily for its foliage, which does a good job of covering a trellis or arbor.
• Spanish jasmine (J. grandiflorum), also known as royal or Catalonian jasmine, has fragrant, white flowers that are about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm.) apart. The vine is evergreen in frost-free areas but semi-evergreen and deciduous in cooler areas. This is one of the most cultivated types of jasmine.

The most common types of jasmine are vines, but there are some varieties that you can grow as shrubs or ground covers.

• Arabian jasmine (J. sambac) is an evergreen shrub with intensely fragrant flowers. It grows 5 to 6 feet (1.5-2 m.) tall. This is the type of jasmine used for tea.
• Italian jasmine (J. humile) can be grown as a vine or a shrub. When not attached to a trellis, it forms a dense, mounded shape as much as 10 feet (3 m.) wide. The plant also tolerates pruning into a shrub.
• Winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum) is a shrub that grows 4 feet (1 m.) wide and 7 feet (2 m.) tall. The yellow flowers on this deciduous shrub aren't fragrant, but it has the advantage of blooming in late winter, providing early season color. Winter jasmine gives good erosion protection on banks. If left to its own devices, it takes root wherever the branches touch the ground.
• Primrose jasmine (J. mesnyi) is seldom grown in the United States. This shrub produces yellow flowers that are larger than most varieties—as much as 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter.
• Asian Star jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is usually grown as a tough ground cover. It has small, pale-yellow flowers and large, dense leaves.

What Leads To Jasmine Not Flowering And What You Can Do About It

If your jasmine is not flowering, you’re not getting its best asset! Jasmine is a group of flowering vines known for their pretty blooms and fragrance. There are deciduous and evergreen jasmines, vine, and shrubs. You’ll also find plants called jasmines that aren’t true jasmines. Nevertheless, all of these species produce flowers and smell nice. We’ll help you troubleshoot why your jasmine plant’s not flowering.

What Jasmine Needs to Thrive

If your jasmine won’t flower, start by learning what it needs to grow and thrive. If you are not currently providing the best conditions for jasmine, it might not bloom. Most jasmines grow in warmer climates and are only hardy to about zone 7 in North America. If your winters get too cold for the species you grow, this could result in a lack of flowers.

Jasmine needs full sun to partial shade. To flower, it should have at least six hours of bright sunlight per day. Winter-blooming jasmines tolerate a little more shade than the summer types. Jasmine grows best in rich, loamy, moist soil that drains well and is neutral to slightly alkaline.

Water jasmine about once a week or more often during dry conditions. It does not need much fertilizer unless you have poor soil. Regular pruning after flowering helps a jasmine stay neat and at a reasonable size.

My Jasmine Plant is Not Flowering

There are a few things that could explain why your jasmine isn’t flowering. Provide it with all the right conditions, and then consider these possible factors that can be corrected:

• Cold winter. There is some variation in hardiness in jasmine types, but most do not tolerate very cold winters. If your jasmine has gotten too cold but survived, it might not flower the following year. Determine what type of jasmine you have and if you are growing it in an appropriate zone. If you are just a little outside its hardiness zone, some protection in the winter can help.
• Too much fertilizer. Unless your soil is poor, jasmine doesn’t really need fertilizer. If you have been fertilizing it with a product that has a lot of nitrogen, it might stop blooming. Nitrogen supports leaf growth and causes a plant to put more energy into the foliage than the blooms. If you have poor soil, try mixing in compost and avoiding fertilizer for a while.
• Too much shade. Most types of jasmine, especially summer-blooming jasmine, need at least six hours of sunlight per day. Although it will still grow vigorously in these conditions, too much shade can prevent these plants from blooming.
• Late pruning. Time pruning of jasmine to just after flowering. Pruning too late in the season can interfere with next year’s blooms. Do the most intensive pruning with pruners, like the Felco F6 shears from Amazon, after blooms fade and do no pruning or only light pruning at other times.
• Soggy roots. Jasmine won’t tolerate sitting in water. If your soil doesn’t drain well, or you have overwatered it, it might not bloom. Let the soil surface dry between watering and amend any drainage issues.
• A too-large container. If you grow jasmine in a container, it should be root-bound to bloom properly - it likes being a little crowded. Don’t repot a jasmine until it is really necessary, and then, only go up a little bit in size.
• Inadequate winter rest. Potted jasmine house plants should be given time to rest in the dormant season. Make sure it sits in the dark at night. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing. If it doesn’t have time to rest in the off-season, a potted jasmine might not bloom.

Jasmine is prized for its fragrant blooms, so it can be very disappointing if you’re not seeing any. Follow these tips and provide the best conditions for jasmine to ensure regular fragrant flowers.

Compared to most other houseplants, jasmine plants can go a long time before needing to be repotted. Jasmine likes to be snug in its container, so you really have to wait until it's almost pot bound before giving it a new home. Repotting jasmine is a straightforward process, not much different from repotting other plants, except for the extreme amount of roots you'll have to deal with. The secret to your success will be when to repot jasmines, not how to repot a jasmine. Get the timing right and your plant will continue growing year round.

When and How to Repot a Jasmine Plant

As a jasmine plant grows, the roots wrap themselves around inside the pot, much like any other plant. The proportion of roots to potting soil slowly changes, until you have more roots than soil. This means the amount of material that holds moisture is less than when you first planted. So when you water your jasmine plant and it needs watering again after two or three days, it's time to repot. Lay the plant on its side on some old newspaper inside or in the grass outdoors. Pull the root ball from the pot by tapping gently on the sides, then slide the roots out. Inspect the roots. If you see any black or dark brown pieces, cut them off with a clean, sharp utility knife. Loosen up the roots with your hands to unravel the tangles and to remove as much of the old potting soil as possible. Cut off any long strands of roots that have wrapped themselves around the root ball. Make four vertical slices in the sides of the root ball, from the top to the bottom. Space the slices out equally around the root ball. This will encourage fresh new roots to grow. Plant the jasmine with fresh potting soil in a container 2 inches (5 cm.) larger across than the one it previously lived in.

Jasmine Container Care

Once you get the plant settled in its new home, jasmine container care can be a bit tricky indoors. This is a plant that loves a lot of bright light, but not direct noonday sun. Most jasmines that do poorly after being brought inside in the fall do so because they're not getting enough light. Try putting the planter in an east window with a sheer curtain between the plant and the glass, or a southern-facing window with the same setup. Jasmine is a tropical plant, so it likes soil that's constantly moist, but not soaking wet. Never let the soil dry out completely. Check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the potting soil. If it's dry about half an inch (1 cm.) below the surface, give the plant a complete watering.

Consistent blooms, divine fragrance, and appealing glossy green leaves characterize one of the best known scented flowering plants around. Jasmine plants speak to the exotic and call to mind sunny days and warm sultry nights. The best blooms occur on plants that have been well cared for and fed routinely. What to feed jasmine though? Learn the secrets to thriving floral plants and how to fertilize jasmine properly here.

Fertilizing Jasmines

Jasmine fertilizing time is spring or late winter if you live in a mild climate. The goal is to give the plant the nutrients needed for foliar formation, healthy roots, and pest/disease resistance, and, of course, flowering. 

Phosphorus is the macro-nutrient responsible for fruiting and flowering production in plants. True jasmine, or Jasminum officinale, should not be confused with star jasmine. The true jasmines are the plants with the heavenly scent. Proper feeding will enhance the heady scent and help the plant produce a profusion of the aromatic blooms.

How to Fertilize Jasmine

There are a couple of methods for fertilizing jasmines. Plants in a rich organic growing medium rarely need extra nutrients added to the soil, and adding compost to the top of a container once or twice a year will help keep a healthy and nutritious amount of organic material in the container. 

If you choose to use chemical fertilizers on your container grown jasmine, it is true with plants that there can be too much of a good thing. It is important to make a note on chemical fertilizer salts and their build up. Excess fertilizer deposits salts in soil, which can burn roots and actually cause harm to the plant. 

Plants in ground may also benefit from additional food added at the right time if they are in poor soil. In spring, when it is jasmine fertilizing time, either amend the soil with mulch or organic mixtures or use a slow release granular or liquid dilution of jasmine plant fertilizer. Assess your soil, the plant's condition, and location before choosing a method.

What to Feed Jasmine

Plants with yellow leaves may be indicating it is time to feed your jasmine. Jasmine plants in the garden usually don't need supplemental fertilizer unless they are in nutrient poor soil. 

As a rule, thick organic mulch applied around the root zone of the plant will leach and compost into the soil slowly and feed the roots. If your plant doesn't produce many blooms but has thick lush, leafy growth, it probably gets plenty of nitrogen but is growing in soil low in phosphorus. 

Use a jasmine plant fertilizer with a higher middle number, which represents the ratio of phosphorus in the formula. Potted plants are trapped and cannot access any more nutrients than those already in the soil. You need to add a good plant food in the form of a half dilution every two weeks during spring and summer. Do not fertilize in fall and winter. 

Granular slow release foods are good for the sometime lazy gardener who forgets to feed on a regular schedule. Scratch the grains into the top 2 inches (5 cm.) of soil around the edges of the root zone and water in.

Over time, the granules melt into the soil and slowly released needed food to the plant. Read the directions carefully for the exact amount for your size plant to prevent over feeding and health problems.

Note: Any recommendations pertaining to the use of chemicals are for informational purposes only. Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and more environmentally friendly.

Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) is an irresistible plant that fills the garden with sweet fragrance when it's in bloom. There are many types of jasmine. Most of these plants thrive in warm climates where frost is a rare occurrence. If grown in the proper climate, jasmine winter care is a snap, but gardeners in temperate climates can still grow them if they are willing to go to a little extra trouble to care for jasmine during winter. There are over 200 species of jasmine. Here are some of the types commonly grown in the United States and USDA plant hardiness zones:

• Winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum): Zones 6 through 9, may even bloom during winter
• Arabian jasmine (J. sambac): Zones 9 through 11
• Common jasmine (J. officinale): Zones 7 through 10
• Star/Confederate jasmines (Trachelospermum spp.): Zones 8 through 10

How to Keep Jasmine Over Winter

If you are growing the plants in their rated zone, you need to provide a layer of organic mulch to the roots of the jasmine in winter. Use up to 6 inches (15 cm.) of straw or 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) of shredded hardwood for winterizing jasmine plants. Fallen leaves also make good winter mulch, and they work even better if you shred them to about the size of a quarter before spreading them over the roots. If the stems begin to die back, you can cut them down as low as 6 inches (15 cm.) above the ground. To keep jasmine plants over winter outside their rated zone, you need to bring them indoors. Growing them in pots makes moving the plants indoors for winter much easier. Even so, dry indoor air and inadequate sunlight may cause the plants to lose their leaves and they may even die. While they are indoors, give the plants normal room temperatures during the day with cool temperatures at night. This allows them to rest over winter. Prepare the plants by bringing them in for a few hours each day several weeks before the first frost. When you bring them in, place them in a very bright, preferably south-facing window. Use supplemental fluorescent lighting if you don't have enough natural light in your home. The bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room are the most humid rooms in your house, and they make good winter homes for jasmine plants. If you run your furnace a lot over winter, the air will be dry. You can provide the plant with a little extra humidity by placing it on a tray of pebbles and water. The purpose of the pebbles is to hold the pot above the water. As the water evaporates, it moistens the air around the plant. A cool mist vaporizer will also help keep the air moist. It's safe to move the plant back outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Feed it with liquid fertilizer and give it a few days to get used to outdoor conditions before leaving it outside overnight.

Best Ways To Propagate Jasmine: Complete How-To Guide

There are several ways to increase the number of jasmine plants in your yard. Cuttings, layering, and seeds are the most successful ways to propagate jasmine. We'll review each method and let you decide.

How to Propagate Jasmine from Cuttings

To propagate your jasmine plant with cuttings, start by clipping small sections of stem from the plant with pruners like these Felco F6 Hand Pruners from Amazon. Each cut should be made at a 45-degree angle, just below a set of leaf nodes. Next, excess foliage can be removed from the cutting, leaving only 1-2 sets of leaves.

Though it’s optional, new cuttings may be dipped into rooting hormone to speed the process. You can find plenty of options of rooting hormone on Amazon. After being placed into a quality potting mix, the cuttings will require consistent warmth, moisture, and humidity.

Semi-Hardwood Cuttings

Semi-hardwood cuttings often produce the best results propagating your favorite varieties of jasmine. These stem segments are also taken from new growth, but only when it has hardened or started to mature.

Hardwood Cuttings

Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature plant growth. This type of cutting should be taken in the fall and allowed to root throughout the plant’s dormancy period. Growers have found success propagating several species of jasmine in this way, though results will vary from one species to the next.

Softwood Cuttings

Softwood cutting refers to stem segments that have been taken from new, green growth. Though some species of jasmine may struggle to root from softwood cuttings, several types can be propagated dependably in this manner. It’s worth a try.

How to Propagate Jasmine by Layering

Layering refers to the process of burying a plant’s leaf node, or growing point, while it is still attached to the parent. After taking root, new plants can be clipped free and grown on. Growers have also found success propagating jasmine through air layering the plant, which works on the same basic principle.

To successfully layer jasmine plants, mature stem growth, specifically that which is approximately one year old, is ideal. Stretch or lay these cuttings onto the soil, making certain to cover the plant’s growth node. Though only shallow depths are necessary, you will need to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist throughout the rooting period. Check the plant’s progress frequently, as layered stems can root in as little as a few weeks.

How to Propagate Jasmine by Seed

Growing jasmine from seed is a good option for budget-savvy gardeners. Though some hybrids may not grow true-to-type from seed, most species will dependably produce plants that are similar to their parent. For the best chances of success, look for seeds that are fresh and have been allowed to mature fully before being harvested.

Many species of jasmine can be grown dependably from seed. This process requires patience, as most types require a long period of germination. Germination rates can be improved by soaking the seeds at least 24 hours and by scratching the seed coat before planting. It’s a good idea to start jasmine seeds indoors in the winter.

Best Time to Propagate Jasmine

The best time for jasmine plant propagation varies depending upon the species and technique you choose. Starting seeds indoors is best done in late winter. Softwood cuttings, or plants that are to be layered, are best done in spring or early summer. This allows ample time for the new roots to develop. Both hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings can be done from late summer into early fall. Cuttings from more mature wood are often taken much later in the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Jasmine Cuttings Root in Water?

An ever-popular technique, many growers question whether or not it is possible to propagate jasmine cuttings in water. Gardeners report success using this technique across several species. To do so, one can simply take cuttings of their favorite plants and carefully remove any foliage that should fall below the waterline. Under ideal conditions, roots should begin to sprout in as little as one week.

How Long Does It Take for Jasmine Cuttings to Root?

The length of time needed for jasmine cuttings to root will vary greatly. Some types are able to sprout quickly, showing the first signs of growth in as little as one week. Hardwood cuttings or cuttings of cultivars that are more difficult to root will require much more time, often needing several months to begin to grow.

Every year, a puzzling question thousands of gardeners ask is: why my jasmine is drying and losing leaves? Jasmine is a tropical plant that can be grown indoors or outside in warm conditions, the plant dropping leaves is usually because of some type of environmental factor. Jasmine leaves dropping off can be caused by too much attention, too little attention, and even nature itself. Not all jasmines need to be treated when their leaves drop, but when they do, it's usually a matter of correcting a poor environment.

What Causes Leaves to Fall off Jasmine?

What causes leaves to fall off jasmine plants? When they're unhappy in their environment, this is the first way the plants make it known. If your jasmine is getting too little water, the roots can't move through the soil and collect nutrients. This can cause leaves to dry up and fall off. Too much water can be just as bad for your plant. If you leave a puddle of water underneath the planter at all times, the roots can suffer from root rot. You may think you're doing your jasmine plant a favor by giving it a regular source of water, but this is a case of having too much of a good thing. If your jasmine is planted outside, cooler weather can cause it to drop its leaves. This is completely natural for many jasmine plants in the fall. The difference in this instance is that the leaves will turn yellow before dropping off, much like tree leaves changing colors before falling. Lack of light can be another cause of jasmine plants losing leaves. If you've moved your potted plant from the outer deck indoors for the winter, it's probably getting a lot less light than before. This will cause leaves to shed.

What to Do for Jasmine Leaf Drop

Treating jasmine leaf drop is a matter of correcting the bad environment. If the soil is too dry, water it more often or attach an automatic watering device to the planter. If you've recently moved your jasmine plant indoors, place it under a fluorescent light for 16 hours a day, or move the planter to a spot where it will receive strong sunlight for most of the day. For over-watered jasmine, remove the root ball from the planter and wash off all the soil. If some of the roots are black, soft, or mushy, the plant has root rot. Clip off all the damaged roots and repot the plant with fresh potting soil. If you don't see any root rot, place the root ball back in the planter and cut down on the watering. The jasmine plant should recover in about two weeks.

Drooping leaves? Damaged foliage? Bite marks, specks or sticky stuff on your jasmine plant? Chances are you have a pest problem. Pests affecting jasmine plants can seriously affect their ability to thrive and the production of those all-important scented blooms. You can successfully do battle with jasmine plant pests once you get a handle on what pests are munching away on your prized beauty. You need to know how to mount effective jasmine pest control and with a little patience, that beautiful little bush will perk up and scent your entire garden.

Pests of Jasmine

There are two main types of jasmine plant pests. The sucking insects, like aphids, are those whose feeding behavior entails piercing the plant material and eating the sap. There are also foliage insects which cause visual damage to the leaves of a plant. Most of these are caterpillars and larvae of a variety of moths and butterflies but a few represent other invertebrates. Pests affecting jasmine plants vary in size and degree of damage but it is best to establish some basic methods of dealing with the invaders.

Jasmine Plant Pests of Foliage

The budworm is a small white moth whose larva feed off of the buds of the jasmine plant, effectively destroying the flowers. The gallery worm tunnels in and around the buds and builds silk lined caves. Leaf rollers do just what it sounds like they do, while leaf webworms cover both foliage and twigs in silk webs. A tiny mite is also responsible for leaf damage. The mite tunnels under the top layer of the leaf and leaves bumps and ridges in the epidermal surface. Sometimes the leaf even distorts and deforms. Most foliar pests can be combated with horticultural soap or oil. Treat at the first signs of damage or for preemptive measures in early spring at bud break.

Jasmine Plant Pests That Suck-Literally

Sadly, insect pests are fond of your ornamental plants and a host of sucking insects can sap the vitality of your jasmine. Jasmine plant pest control on this variety requires vigilance and fortitude. Whiteflies, scale, mites and a host of other “ickies” do more than damage the appearance of your bush. They feed on the life-giving juices of the jasmine and reduce its ability to store and receive important moisture and nutrients. Most of these pests are so tiny they are not easily spotted and are more easily identified by plant decline. This may include brown streaking on stems as in thrip damage, yellow leaves which occur with whitefly and several other deteriorating conditions. If you are in doubt as to which pest is your problem, use a magnifying glass or place a piece of white paper under the plant and shake. The tiny insects that fall can be investigated more thoroughly to tell which bad guy is causing the problem. With any pest problem, try non-toxic methods initially. A soapy solution of water and dish soap can clog up most pests' breathing areas and kill a large amount of the population. Resort to target pesticides if you can identify the insect to prevent killing beneficial plants. Overall, treat your jasmine like a queen so it is healthy and able to withstand occasional onslaughts from tiny invaders.

Jasmine flowers bear the intoxicating fragrance familiar to us from perfumes and finely scented toiletries. The plants have an exotic appeal with starry white flowers and shiny leaves. The plants may be grown outdoors or indoors and are fairly easy to grow. 

However, jasmine plant problems do exist and it is important to be able to identify them. Disease in jasmine plants is easily recognizable and usually the result of cultural issues and easily corrected.

Disease in Jasmine Plants

Jasmine plant problems do not occur very frequently, and the plant thrives if it receives attention that mimics its tropical to sub-tropical native region. Jasmine diseases can threaten the foliage, roots, flowers and overall health of the plant. 

Sometimes they are the result of excess moisture in overly warm conditions; sometimes an insect vector is the cause. The variety of common diseases of jasmine is as broad as it is in any plant, but the first step to diagnosis is to ensure you are giving proper care.

Common Diseases of Jasmine

Once you are sure the soil type, lighting, heat level, nutrient and moisture acquisition needs of your plant are all being met, it is time to investigate other causes of jasmine plant problems. Foliar problems are common with jasmine plants because they like to live where temperatures are warm and slightly humid. These conditions are most favorable for a variety of fungal diseases. 

The most common diseases of jasmine are blight, rust and Fusarium wilt, all of which affect numerous other varieties of plants. These are primarily diseases of the leaves and stems which leave necrotic areas, discolored halos or patches, wilted leaves, streaked stems and occasionally spread to young vegetation. 

Treating jasmine plant diseases from fungal issues requires a fungicide or baking soda and water spray. Prevention is more crucial because once the fungal spores are active, they are difficult to get rid of. Avoid overhead watering and allow plenty of circulation around the plant to help reduce the chances of fungal issues. 

Root knot galls also cause leaves to drop and discolor but mostly this is due to the damage of the nematodes, which are munching away on their roots. The larvae are very difficult to remove once entrenched but you can try a soil drench with an appropriate insecticide. Otherwise, only buy resistant varieties of jasmine.

Treating Jasmine Plant Diseases

Step one in combating any disease is to isolate affected plants. Step two requires the removal of damaged and diseased plant parts. This includes picking up dropped leaves. In the case of potted plants, installing the jasmine in a clean, sanitized pot with fresh soil will often prevent further fungal spores from damaging the leaves. 

Then follow proper water and cultural practices to prevent further common diseases in Jasmine. In ground plants are a bit more difficult, but you can dig around the plant and put in fresh soil or completely remove it and wash off the roots and replant it in a newly amended site. 

Use Neem oil sprays for any insect issues, fungicides or a mixture of baking soda and water to combat fungi and correct cultural care to promote the health of the plant and help it recover its beauty.

If winter blooms and sweet, nighttime fragrance appeal to your senses, consider growing jasmine indoors. Not all jasmine flowers are fragrant, but Jasminum polyanthum, the variety commonly used when growing jasmine indoors, has a sweet aroma that is particularly fragrant at night. Let's learn more about the care of indoor jasmine.

How to Care for a Jasmine Houseplant

Indoor jasmine plants actually benefit from spending time outdoors. In summer, locate indoor jasmine plants in a partly sunny spot to encourage robust growth. Jasmine flowers are set during another outdoor stretch of six weeks in the cool of autumn. 

This encourages buds to form for the typical February bloom of jasmine flowers. If indoor jasmine plants don't bloom, it may be they've not been exposed to cool enough temperatures. Back inside, place near a south window when growing jasmine indoors. Indoor jasmine plants are vigorous climbers and need an indoor trellis or support for their vigorous growth.

Care of Indoor Jasmine

Cool temperatures and the right location in a well-lit room or sunny window is important for this plant. Good air circulation helps promote showy white, winter blooms of the J. polyanthum when growing jasmine indoors. The plant can tolerate as much as four hours per day of direct sunlight, from late spring through fall. 

Decrease direct sunlight in winter. Soil for indoor jasmine plants should be porous and may be modified with bark, coir or other organic materials. The soil mixture should remain moist throughout the year, but not soggy. Less water is needed during the resting period following bloom decline. 

Care of indoor jasmine includes fertilization with a weakened houseplant food throughout the growing season. High phosphorus fertilizer prolongs the length of bloom time. White, cottony masses under leaves and on stems may indicate that mealybugs have taken up residence on your plant. 

Remove as many as possible when pruning. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove any masses left when pruning is finished. Pruning is necessary when growing jasmine indoors. As you're learning how to care for a jasmine houseplant, you may find it getting out of hand if you don't prune regularly to keep it under control.

Prune heavily at the beginning of the spring growing season while training the twining vine to a support. Indoor jasmine plants have a long lifespan when cared for properly. Repot in spring. Prune the roots when moving to fresh soil, as needed. If you have a different type of jasmine and want to try growing it indoors, follow the above guidelines.

Other types may not need as much sun, but often grow equally well and bloom when grown as indoor plants.

Jasmine is grown as much for its intense fragrance as for the bright yellow or white flowers that cover the vines. While summer jasmine (Jasminum officinale and J. grandiflorum) enjoys a sunny location, winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum) prefers a shady spot. 

Plant it where you can best enjoy the fragrance in addition to hummingbirds and butterflies that will cluster around its flowers. With good jasmine pruning, you'll have more attractive plants that bloom freely, allowing you to enjoy these benefits longer.

When to Prune Jasmine

When young plants begin to put out new growth, start pinching out the top half-inch (1 cm.) of the stems by squeezing them between your thumbnail and finger. Pinching the tips, especially in the first two years, promotes rapid growth and lush foliage. Pinch lateral stems as well as the main, upright stem. 

Summer jasmine blooms in summer and early fall, and winter jasmine blooms in late winter and early spring on vines that developed the previous season. Prune them immediately after they flower to give the vines time to develop growth for the next flowering season. If you prune them before they bloom, you will end up cutting off the buds and they won't be able to flower.

How to Prune Jasmine

Once you've determined when to prune jasmine based on the variety you have, it helps to know how to go about jasmine pruning. Here are the steps in trimming jasmine plants:

• Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. This will keep the vine looking neat and prevent the spread of disease.
• Remove tangled stems and old stems that no longer produce flowers. Keeping the vine free of masses of tangles improves the appearance and makes it easier to take care of the vine. If you encounter a difficult tangle, remove the stem in sections rather than trying to jerk it free.
• Remove stems that are growing away from the supporting structure. You can control the direction of new growth by pruning just above a leaf stem that is growing in the direction in which you want the vine to grow.
• Shorten stems to keep the vine within the bounds of the trellis or arbor.

You'll find that proper annual pruning care of jasmine makes a big difference in their appearance and the amount of care the vines require.

Quick Jasmine Facts:

• Botanical name – Jasminum spp.
• Height – 20-30 ft (6-9 m)
• Spread – 5-10 ft. (1.5-3 m)
• Sun exposure – Full Sun, Part Sun
• Soil requirements – Neutral, Slightly Acidic
• Hardiness zones – USDA Zones 7-10
• When to plant – Spring, Fall

The jasmine plant is a source of exotic fragrance in warmer climates. It’s an important scent in perfumes, and also has herbal properties. Jasmine can be vines or bushes, and some are evergreen. 

Most jasmine plants are found in tropical to sub-tropical climates, although a few may thrive in temperate zones. Not all jasmine is fragrant, but the most common and hardy varieties produce a sweet, wafting fragrance.

Protection from cold temperatures is one of the most important aspects of jasmine plant care. In this article, we will explore in greater detail the needs and care requirements of common jasmine.

Planting Jasmine

Choose a warm, sheltered location when growing jasmine. The vining varieties require a strong support structure as some can grow to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall. A trellis, lattice, pergola or wall allow the vine to climb and grow into its full beauty. Jasmine vines need to be trained early when they are young. You may use plant ties or just weave them through trellis sections. Jasmine plant care is not difficult but does require vigilance.

Install the plant in the ground at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot. Most jasmine plants are grafted onto the common jasmine rootstock because of their superior hardiness.

Soil & Fertilizer Needs

All jasmine plants prefer sunny to lightly shaded sites with well-draining and moderately fertile soil. There are varied opinions on the ideal pH level for jasmine (from 5.5 to 7 pH), but it’s safe to say it performs best in soils that are slightly acidic. Before planting, a soil test can help you get a greater understanding of pH levels, and determine whether or not your growing beds will need to be amended. Adding a high-quality compost will help new plants get quickly established.

To promote blooming, apply fertilizer in early spring just before new growth appears. Well balanced granular feeds are most popular because they provide a slow release of nutrients throughout the season.

Water & Light Requirements

Jasmine requires at least one thorough weekly watering throughout the hottest parts of the summer. When in pots or containers, water them more frequently. Though the plants appreciate consistently moist conditions, take care to avoid overwatering. Most species of jasmine thrive where they are able to receive full sun throughout the day, but mid-day shade might be needed in some growing zones, specifically, those which experience both high heat and humidity.

Pruning Jasmine

In a jasmine vine’s second year it’s a good idea to pinch off the stem tips to promote branching and fullness.

Pruning jasmine is an essential aspect of plant care. Prune your plants to the size and shape you want. Trimming them back helps the plant produce more jasmine flowers, as well as prepare for next year’s growing season.

Try to deadhead and/or prune flowering jasmine immediately after it has stopped flowering. This will guarantee the formation of new flower buds, and prevent you from accidentally removing them the following spring. Jasmine plants that you plan to overwinter indoors should also be aggressively pruned at this time.

Propagating Jasmine

If you’re growing jasmine in your garden, you may want to multiply the plants. The best time to begin jasmine propagation is in late spring or summer, when the plant has finished blooming.

Cut small stem cuttings from new growth and remove excess leaves. Insert the cut ends into trays filled with a moist growing medium. Although not necessary, you may want to dip the ends in a root hormone to speed up your new plants. Water the new cuttings well and make sure they stay consistently moist. The cuttings should take root in about 4-6 weeks.

Problems, Pest, & Diseases

Outdoor jasmine plants seldom have trouble with insects or disease. It’s still a good idea to monitor your plants frequently for signs of stress or changes in conditions. Jasmine plants overwintered indoors as houseplants may be much more susceptible to several different types of foliar disease, as well as added pressure from insects. Blight and leaf spot are especially common and can lead to loss of your plants. Pests like spider mites and aphids can be treated with horticultural oil or neem oil.

Types of Jasmine

There are hundreds of species of flowering jasmine within the Jasminum genus. Though the group of plants is quite diverse, many common garden species are similar in their appearance and requirements for growth. A few popular species are:

• Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a vine, and has larger glossy green leaves than Royal jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum). Both can survive in temperate climates if they’re planted in a sheltered area.
• Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is a smaller bush with evergreen leaves.
• Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) can survive colder temperatures than other varieties, but is not fragrant.
• The bush types are excellent landscape specimens with starry pink, white, ivory or even yellow scented blooms