Jasmine

The jasmine plant is a source of exotic fragrance in the warmer seasons. It is an important scent noted in perfumes and has herbal properties. The plants may be vines or bushes and some are evergreen.

How to Care


Growing jasmine may require a bit of effort, but the results are well worth the work. Not all jasmine plants are fragrant, but the most common and hardy do produce a sweet, carrying fragrance.

Planting


Choose a warm, sheltered location when planting jasmine. The most common jasmine to grow is a vine that has large glossy leaves. This variety requires a support structure as some can get between 10 to 15 feet high and 3 to 6 feet wide. Ensure the structure is installed before planting so as not to damage the root system and make sure there is plenty of space for it to grow.

All jasmine plants prefer sun to light shade sites with well-draining and moderately fertile soil.

Plant jasmine into 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 its superior hardiness.

Feeding and Watering


Fertilise jasmine with fertiliser higher in potassium and phosphorus than nitrogen after a heavy pruning twice a year. Fertilise more often if jasmine isn’t producing much growth or flowers, but no more often then bi-weekly.

Working compost like moldy leaves into the soil once a year in the spring is also helpful for healthy growth.

Water Jasmine plants immediately after planting. Water weekly or whenever the top inch of soil dries out until the plant is fully established. Leaves may fade to yellow or brown if soil is too dry or too moist.

Pruning


Pinch off new blooms and shoots to encourage more growth, especially sideways. If your jasmine plant is growing too large, prune it down to desired size. Cutting down the entire plant to half its size will help keep jasmine growing tight and full, and it will encourage a higher number of blossoms.

If growing jasmine vine as a ground cover, prune off any vertical growth.

Jasmine