Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Oleaceae
Botanical Name
JASMINUM multiflorum
Plant Common Name
Downy Jasmine
General Description
Though not as fragrant as other jasmines, the large white blooms of downy jasmine still offer a sweet and spicy aroma. This versatile tropical evergreen is a vigorous scrambling vine that can easily be trained into a shrub. It is native to India but has been widely cultivated elsewhere and become naturalized in subtropical regions across the globe, including southern China and the American South.
Soft, downy hairs cover the deep green, oval leaves of this tough evergreen, giving them a grayish cast. Blooming can occur throughout much of the year, as long as growing conditions are favorable, though in its native range, flowering is heaviest from fall to spring. The clusters of starry, tubular, white flowers have a mild, sweet jasmine fragrance. They are pollinated by moths, and the fruits that follow are inconspicuous.
This fast-growing, adaptable shrub grows well in full sun or partial shade and thrives in most soils as long as they are well-drained and moderately fertile. It requires regular pruning if a neat, manicured habit is desired. Otherwise, it will sprawl. Downy jasmine is excellent for foundation plantings and mixed borders. To enjoy its sweet fragrance, be sure to plant it close to outdoor living areas or along a foundation below a window. As a vine, it can be trained along sturdy fences, trellises or pergolas or allowed to cascade down slopes or retaining walls.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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Width
5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Fall, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter, Indeterminate
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Native To
India
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Tan
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
