All About Jasmine: Types, Care Tips & Fragrance

Jasmine, a member of the Oleaceae family and Jasminum genus, is a versatile shrub that can grow as an upright bush or a climber. Its emerald green leaves and pure white flowers with their intoxicating fragrance make it a popular choice for aromatic potted plants and garden specimens alike.

Jasmine’s versatility extends beyond its ornamental value. It’s widely used in the culinary world, particularly in the production of jasmine tea. The highly fragrant flowers are also a valuable source of essential oils used in perfumery and aromatherapy.

While predominantly white, jasmine flowers can be found in various forms, including single-petal, double-petal, and multi-petal varieties. Some cultivars even offer dual-colored blooms, adding to the plant’s aesthetic appeal.

Basic Introduction

Jasmine plants can grow up to 3 meters tall, featuring cylindrical or slightly flattened branches that may be hollow and sparsely covered with soft hairs. The leaves grow in opposite pairs or are sometimes solitary.

The leaf structure is papery, with shapes ranging from round to oval or ovate. Leaf tips are typically rounded or blunt, while the base may have a slight heart shape. The leaf surface can be subtly indented or convex, with the underside being raised. Venation is often visible on both sides and slightly raised. Apart from small tufts of hair in the leaf axils on the underside, the leaves are generally glabrous (hairless).

Jasmine’s blooming period extends from May to August, with fruit development occurring from July to September. The fruit is spherical and purplish-black when mature.

Beyond its ornamental and aromatic properties, jasmine has traditional medicinal uses. The flowers and leaves have been used to treat eye inflammation and as an expectorant to relieve coughs and remove phlegm.

Types of Jasmine

Single-Petal Jasmine

Single-petal jasmine plants are relatively compact, typically reaching heights of 70-90 centimeters. Their slender, vine-like stems have earned them the nickname “vine jasmine.”

Key features of single-petal jasmine include:

• Oval-shaped, thin leaves with slightly pointed tips and entire margins
• Single layer corolla with fewer, oval-shaped white petals
• Long corolla tube (about 1.5 cm) with two stamens equal in length to the pistil
• Loose inflorescences, either terminal or axillary, with up to 30+ flowers
• Elongated, pointed buds that are smaller and lighter than other varieties

Single-petal jasmine has been selectively bred in China for years, resulting in high-yield, high-quality local varieties from regions such as Changle, Fuzhou, Jinhua, and Taiwan. The Taiwan variety, in particular, is known for its refreshing and pure fragrance.

This variety blooms early, with evening flowers typically opening between 6 and 7 PM. Single-petal jasmine is prized for jasmine tea production due to its rich fragrance and fresh taste, surpassing that of double-petal varieties.

While single-petal jasmine demonstrates strong drought resistance, making it suitable for planting in challenging terrain like mountain foothills or hilly slopes, it has some limitations:

• Lower flower yield compared to double-petal varieties
• Less cold-hardy
• More susceptible to waterlogging and pest/disease issues

Double-Petal Jasmine

Double-petal jasmine is the primary variety grown commercially in China. These plants typically reach heights of 1-1.5 meters and grow as upright bushes with numerous branches.

Distinctive characteristics of double-petal jasmine include:

• Thick, hard stems and branches with grayish-brown, wrinkled bark at the base
• Green young stems with robust, ridged branches covered in short downy hairs
• Paired, broad ovate leaves with entire margins and reticulated veins
• Deep green, thick, and glossy foliage
• Terminal or axillary umbellate inflorescences
• Ovate flower buds, flat or slightly pointed at the top (hence the name “Flat-Topped Jasmine”)
• More voluptuous flowers with lower water content compared to single-petal varieties
• Shorter corolla tube (about 1 cm) than single-petal jasmine
• 13-18 corolla lobes (petals) arranged in two overlapping layers
• Two stamens and one pistil per flower
• Pure white, waxy flowers with a strong, long-lasting fragrance

Double-petal jasmine flowers open about 2 hours later than single-petal varieties, typically blooming between 8 and 9 PM. Their natural scent can last for over ten hours.

While tea made from double-petal jasmine blossoms has a rich and strong aroma, it’s not as fresh and pure as single-petal jasmine tea. However, the double-petal variety offers several advantages for commercial cultivation:

• Tough, resilient branches
• Greater cold and humidity tolerance
• Easier to grow
• Higher yield per unit area

These factors have made double-petal jasmine the primary variety planted in China for commercial purposes.

Multi-Petal Jasmine

Multi-petal jasmine is characterized by:

• Branches with noticeable warty protrusions
• Deep green leaves
• Tightly round, short flower buds with slightly concave tops
• Small, thick corolla lobes that are particularly numerous
• 3-4 distinct overlapping layers of petals when the flower opens

This variety typically blooms between 7 and 8 PM, often opening only 1-2 layers initially, with the remaining layers opening the following day. Some buds may not open at all and will wilt.

While multi-petal jasmine has a prolonged blooming period, it has some drawbacks:

• Lighter fragrance
• Lower yield
• Not ideal for jasmine tea production

However, it does offer superior drought resistance and grows robustly on dry hillside land. Plant breeders may find potential in crossbreeding multi-petal jasmine with superior single-petal or double-petal varieties to develop new cultivars that combine strong resistance with good quality and high yield.

Growth and Distribution

Growing Environment

Jasmine thrives in warm, humid climates, preferring well-ventilated, semi-shaded locations. The ideal soil is slightly acidic, sandy, and rich in organic matter.

Most jasmine varieties are sensitive to cold and drought, and cannot tolerate frost, waterlogging, or alkaline soil. When winter temperatures drop below 3°C (37.4°F), branches and leaves are susceptible to frost damage. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can be fatal to the plant. However, deciduous climbing varieties exhibit superior cold and drought tolerance.

Distribution Range

Native to India and southern China, jasmine is now widely cultivated across the globe. It is extensively grown in subtropical regions, particularly in:

• Middle East: Iran
• North Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
• Mediterranean countries: Turkey, Spain, France, Italy
• Southeast Asia: All countries in this region

Morphology and Characteristics

Jasmine is an upright or climbing shrub that can reach heights of up to 3 meters (9.8 feet). Its morphological features include:

1. Stems:
   • Cylindrical or slightly flattened
   • Occasionally hollow
   • Sparsely covered with soft hairs
2. Leaves:
   • Arrangement: Opposite
   • Type: Simple
   • Texture: Papery
   • Shape: Round, elliptical, ovate-elliptical, or inversely ovate
   • Tip: Rounded or blunt
   • Base: Sometimes slightly heart-shaped
   • Veins: 4-6 pairs of lateral veins, slightly indented or protruding on upper surface, prominent on lower surface
   • Minor veins: Visible and slightly protruding on both surfaces
   • Hair: Generally hairless, except for tufted hairs often found in vein axils on the underside
   • Leaf stalk: 2-6mm long, covered with short soft hairs, jointed
3. Inflorescence:
   • Position: Terminal
   • Composition: Typically 3 flowers (range: 1-5)
   • Stalk: 1-4.5cm long, covered with short soft hairs
   • Bracts: Minute, cone-shaped, 4-8mm long
   • Flower stalk: 0.3-2cm long
4. Flowers:
   • Fragrance: Extremely fragrant
   • Calyx: Hairless or sparsely covered with short soft hairs, linear lobes
   • Corolla: White, with oblong to near-round lobes, rounded or blunt at the tip
5. Fruit:
   • Shape: Spherical
   • Color: Purplish-black
6. Phenology:
   • Flowering period: May to August
   • Fruiting period: July to September

This comprehensive description covers the key morphological and physiological characteristics of jasmine, providing a detailed understanding of the plant’s structure and growth patterns.

How to Cultivate Jasmine

Jasmine is a beloved ornamental plant known for its fragrant flowers and lush foliage. Proper cultivation techniques are essential for maintaining healthy jasmine plants and encouraging abundant blooming. This guide provides comprehensive information on cultivating jasmine, with a focus on potted plants.

Watering

Jasmine prefers consistent moisture but is sensitive to both drought and waterlogging. During the peak growing season in summer, water thoroughly in the morning and evening. If the air is dry, mist the foliage to increase humidity. In winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency and amount to prevent root rot and leaf drop. Always check soil moisture before watering and ensure proper drainage.

Soil Quality

The ideal soil for potted jasmine should be rich in organic matter with excellent drainage and aeration. A suitable mixture consists of:

• 4 parts garden soil
• 4 parts well-rotted compost
• 2 parts river sand or rice husk ash

Incorporate fully decomposed organic matter such as dry cake crumbs or well-rotted poultry manure. Sift the mixture to remove fine dust and large particles. Use the coarser material at the bottom of the pot and as a top dressing.

Potting

The optimal time for potting jasmine is in April or May, just before new growth begins. Select a pot size appropriate for the plant’s root system. When potting:

1. Hold the plant steady with one hand while filling the pot with soil mixture.
2. Once roots are covered, gently shake the pot to settle soil around the roots.
3. Firmly press the soil, leaving a 2cm space at the top for watering.
4. Water thoroughly after potting to establish root contact with the soil.
5. Place the newly potted plant in partial shade for 7-10 days before gradually increasing light exposure.

Fertilizing

Jasmine is a heavy feeder, especially during its long flowering period. Follow these fertilization guidelines:

• From June to September (flowering period), apply a phosphorus-rich liquid fertilizer every 2-3 days.
• Use organic options like well-rotted soybean cake or fish emulsion, or diluted chemical fertilizers like ammonium sulfate and superphosphate.
• Avoid over-concentrated solutions, which can damage roots.
• Foliar feed with a 0.1% solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate in the evening to promote blooming.
• Apply a 1:10 solution of alum fertilizer weekly to maintain slightly acidic soil conditions.
• After the first bloom, top-dress with organic matter and apply bone meal and phosphorus fertilizer.
• During peak flowering in high temperatures, fertilize every 4 days, alternating between morning watering and evening fertilizing.
• Fertilize when soil is slightly dry for best nutrient uptake.

Pot and Soil Replacement

Repot jasmine annually to refresh the growing medium and promote healthy growth:

1. Remove old soil and trim away some of the old roots.
2. Replace with fresh potting mix, improving soil structure and nutrient content.
3. Water thoroughly after repotting to ensure good soil-root contact.
4. Before repotting, prune the plant, retaining about 10 cm of the previous year’s growth.
5. Remove any diseased, dead, or overcrowded branches.

Pruning and Shaping

Regular pruning is crucial for maintaining jasmine’s shape and encouraging abundant blooming:

• Before spring growth, shorten branches to 10-15 cm to promote strong new growth.
• Pinch new shoots when they reach about 10 cm to encourage bushier growth and more flower buds.
• Thin out dense old leaves during the growing season to stimulate new growth.
• After flowering, prune faded blooms and stems to maintain shape and promote reblooming.

Flowering Period Management

To maximize jasmine’s flowering potential:

1. Prune before spring growth to stimulate new branches.
2. Apply organic liquid fertilizers regularly, increasing frequency and concentration as buds form.
3. Water generously during peak blooming periods, typically once in the morning and once in the evening.
4. Adjust fertilization and watering based on the plant’s growth stage and environmental conditions.
5. In late summer and early fall, gradually reduce fertilization and watering to prepare the plant for dormancy.

With proper care, potted jasmine can bloom up to three times a year, from late May to early November. The key is balancing pruning, sunlight exposure, and fertilization to maintain vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

By following these comprehensive cultivation techniques, you can enjoy healthy, lush jasmine plants with prolific, fragrant blooms throughout the growing season.

Propagation Methods

Cutting: This method is typically carried out from April to October. Select mature 1-year-old branches and cut them into sections with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cuttings into a propagation medium consisting of equal parts sand and peat moss.

Maintain high humidity by covering with a clear plastic dome or bag. Roots should develop in about 40-60 days. Ensure the medium remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Layering: Choose a flexible, healthy branch and make a small incision just below a node. Dust the wound with rooting hormone powder. Bury this section in a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil evenly moist.

After 20-30 days, roots should begin to form. Once a strong root system has developed (usually after about two months), sever the new plant from the parent and transplant it to its permanent location.

Pest and Disease Control

Pests

The primary pests affecting jasmine are leaf rollers and spider mites, which target young, tender growth at the shoot tips. Early detection and intervention are crucial for effective management.

Spider Mites: Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides like dimethoate or imidacloprid for spider mite control. These pesticides are not specifically effective against mites and may harm beneficial insects.

Biological Control: Remove and destroy dead plant material to reduce overwintering sites for pests. Encourage and protect natural predators such as predatory mites, ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which help control spider mite populations. When selecting pesticides, consider their impact on beneficial insects. If possible, consider introducing commercially available predatory mites.

Chemical Control: Due to their rapid reproduction rate, spider mites can quickly develop pesticide resistance. Implement an integrated pest management approach, rotating between different classes of miticides to prevent resistance development. Always follow label instructions and local regulations.

Diseases

White Silk Disease (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)

This fungal disease typically affects the base of the stem. Infected areas turn brown and rot, with bark easily peeling off. White, silky mycelium appears on the surface, later producing small, dark sclerotia. The pathogen overwinters in soil or plant debris.

Control Methods:

1. Practice good sanitation by promptly removing and destroying infected plant material.
2. Implement strict quarantine measures to prevent disease spread.
3. At early signs of infection, treat the surrounding soil with a fungicide containing chlorothalonil or apply a copper-based fungicide such as Bordeaux mixture.
4. For severe infections, use a systemic fungicide containing thiophanate-methyl or mancozeb, following label instructions.
5. Incorporate Trichoderma-based biological control agents into the potting mix as a preventative measure.

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum species)

This fungal disease primarily affects leaves but can also damage young shoots. Early symptoms include light green to yellow spots that expand into gray-brown or gray-white circular lesions. Small black fruiting bodies (acervuli) appear within the lesions as the disease progresses.

Control Methods:

1. Improve air circulation and reduce leaf wetness by proper pruning and spacing.
2. Remove and destroy infected leaves promptly.
3. Apply preventative fungicides containing chlorothalonil or copper at the first sign of disease, repeating every 7-10 days as needed.
4. For severe infections, use systemic fungicides containing azoxystrobin or pyraclostrobin, alternating with different modes of action to prevent resistance.

Leaf Spot Disease (Cercospora species)

This fungal disease manifests as brown spots on leaves that expand into circular or irregular shapes. Affected areas become thin and translucent, with visible fungal fruiting bodies.

Control Methods:

1. Prune and destroy infected leaves to reduce inoculum levels.
2. Balance fertilization, reducing nitrogen and increasing phosphorus and potassium to promote plant health.
3. Apply protective fungicides containing chlorothalonil or copper at the first sign of disease.
4. For ongoing protection, alternate with systemic fungicides containing azoxystrobin or difenoconazole, following label instructions for application intervals.

Value and Other Uses

The Main Value of Jasmine

Ornamental

Jasmine’s evergreen foliage, pure white flowers, and intense fragrance make it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Its versatility allows for various uses:

• Potted plants for indoor décor, providing year-round greenery and seasonal blooms
• Climbing varieties for trellises, arbors, and walls in landscape design
• Cut flowers for floral arrangements and wreaths
• Dried flowers for potpourri and sachets

The plant’s ability to bloom in winter (for some species) adds valuable interest to gardens during colder months.

Economic

Essential Oil Production: Jasmine flowers yield a highly valuable essential oil used extensively in perfumery. The oil’s complex scent profile and labor-intensive extraction process contribute to its high market value, often compared to that of precious metals.

Flavoring Agent: Jasmine is used to scent teas, particularly green teas, creating the popular jasmine tea. It’s also used in the production of flavored syrups, liqueurs, and some culinary applications.

Cosmetics and Personal Care: Beyond perfumes, jasmine oil and extracts are used in soaps, lotions, and various cosmetic products, contributing significantly to the fragrance industry.

Edible Uses

Jasmine Tea: A specialty product where green tea is scented with jasmine flowers. The process imparts a delicate floral aroma and taste to the tea, reducing some of the astringency associated with green tea. Jasmine tea is rich in antioxidants and has potential health benefits associated with both green tea and jasmine.

Culinary Applications: While less common, jasmine flowers are sometimes used in cooking, particularly in Asian cuisines, for flavoring desserts, syrups, and some savory dishes.

Medicinal Properties

Different parts of the jasmine plant have been used in traditional medicine systems:

• Roots: Traditionally used for pain relief and as a mild sedative. Contains compounds with potential anesthetic and analgesic properties.
• Leaves: Used in some traditional practices for fever reduction and digestive issues.
• Flowers: Employed in aromatherapy for stress relief and mood enhancement. Contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Modern research is ongoing to validate these traditional uses and explore potential new applications in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

The Flower Language of Jasmine

Jasmine’s flower language encompasses various positive attributes:

• Purity and innocence
• Love and romance
• Friendship and hospitality
• Grace and elegance
• Spirituality and divine hope

In many cultures, jasmine is associated with:

• Wedding ceremonies, symbolizing marital bliss and fidelity
• Religious and spiritual practices, often used in offerings or rituals
• Welcoming gestures, such as presenting jasmine garlands to guests

The plant’s nocturnal blooming habit and intense fragrance have also led to associations with mystery and sensuality in some contexts.

Understanding these cultural significances can enhance appreciation for jasmine in landscaping, gift-giving, and various social contexts.