Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum): Origin, Care, and Uses

Jasminum multiflorum, commonly known as Star Jasmine, is a fragrant flowering plant native to Southeast Asia and India. It is also referred to as Hairy Jasmine or Many-Flowered Jasmine and holds the distinction of being Indonesia’s national flower. This versatile plant has gained popularity worldwide, with extensive cultivation in China and other regions.

Star Jasmine is characterized by its vibrant green foliage and pristine white blossoms that emit a rich, sweet fragrance. Its extended flowering period from October to April makes it an excellent choice for year-round garden aesthetics and courtyard greening.

I. Growth and Distribution

Native to Southeast Asia and India, Star Jasmine has now spread globally, thriving in various climates. It prefers:

• Warm, sunlit environments
• Loose, fertile soil with good drainage
• Rich nutrient availability
• Protection from cold temperatures (greenhouse conditions needed in colder regions)

II. Structure and Characteristics

Crown Characteristics:

• Evergreen shrub with a vine-like growth habit
• Numerous branches; young branches are delicate and deep green, older ones stout and grey-green
• Ground-level branches exhibit creeping growth
• Annual growth:
  • Branch length: 77-110 cm
  • Crown width: 81.5-125.5 cm
  • Stem thickness: 6.4-12.9 mm
  • Internodal distance: 4.1-8.2 cm

Leaf Characteristics:

• Opposite or nearly opposite arrangement
• Simple leaves; young leaves light green or yellow-green, mature leaves dark green and glossy
• Leaf development from bud to full color takes approximately two months
• Paper-like texture, ovate shape with pointed tips and truncate base
• Smooth, toothless edges
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 4.1-12.3 cm
  • Width: 2.1-7.2 cm
  • Shape index: 1.33-1.95
  • Leaf area: 6.03-88.56 sq cm
  • Petiole length: 3.0-10.0 mm
• Prominent midrib on leaf underside
• 3-6 pairs of asymmetrically distributed veins

Floral Characteristics:

• Single-petaled, pure white flowers with strong fragrance
• Head-like inflorescence, terminal or axillary
• Elongated conical buds, purple-red, 2.1-2.4 cm long
• White corolla:
  • Diameter: 4.4-5.8 cm
  • Corolla tube length: 1.7-2.1 cm
  • Corolla tube diameter: 0.28-0.33 mm
• 10-12 lanceolate or narrowly elliptical petals:
  • Length: 1.8-2.4 cm
  • Width: 0.3-0.4 cm
• Flower weight: approximately 13.1 grams
• Pedicel length: 2-3.4 cm
• Velvety calyx with 4-7 needle-like segments, 1.1-1.5 cm long

III. Lifestyle Habits

Star Jasmine’s primary flowering period extends from October to April of the following year, providing extended visual interest and fragrance.

IV. Cultivation Method

Repotting:

• Best done in April after moving outdoors
• Soil mix: equal parts leaf mold, garden soil, and manure
• Prune previous year’s branches to about 10 cm, leaving 2-3 buds per branch

Fertilizing and Watering:

• Water thoroughly after repotting
• Apply well-rotted cake fertilizer and manure water (10-20% ratio) in mid-to-late May
• Fertilize 1-2 times per month during the growing season
• Water frequently, especially in summer; thoroughly soak soil in the morning
• Reduce watering in winter; maintain indoor temperature around 10-15°C for continuous blooming

V. Propagation Methods

Layering:

• More reliable for rooting and faster growth
• Fertilize every 10 days during growing season; cease in autumn
• Maintain greenhouse conditions in winter for continued blooming
• In April, move outdoors, prune, and repot; place in shade for 30 days before resuming normal care

Cutting:

• Use young shoots from late May to June
• Prepare a shallow clay pot with drainage material and a soil mix of garden soil and rice hull ash
• Select healthy, 10 cm long young branches, leaving 1-2 cm of old branch at the bottom
• Make cuts 0.2 cm below and above nodes, leaving 1-2 pairs of leaves at the top
• Insert cutting into prepared soil and water thoroughly
• Place in a sheltered, shaded environment; avoid direct sunlight and protect from excess moisture
• Roots should appear after about 3 weeks
• Apply 10% well-rotted bean cake water or manure water every 7-10 days after rooting
• Transplant cuttings propagated in late May by mid-July

VI. Value and Other Information

Star Jasmine’s combination of lush green foliage and fragrant white flowers makes it an excellent choice for courtyard greening and general landscaping. Its extended blooming period and adaptability to various growing conditions contribute to its popularity in gardens worldwide.