Forest & Kim Starr
Family
Oleaceae
Botanical Name
JASMINUM sambac
Plant Common Name
Arabian Jasmine
General Description
Arabian jasmine has been cultivated since ancient times for its intensely fragrant, white flowers. Widespread in distribution, the species is thought to have originated in southern Asia and was probably brought by traders to the Middle East and other areas. Its blossoms are used in China to make jasmine tea, for fragrant leis in Hawaii and the Philippines, and in the manufacture of perfume. It is the national flower of both Indonesia and the Philippines.
The stems of this shrubby, evergreen, twining vine are clad in glossy, dark green, pointed, oval leaves which are grouped in opposite pairs or whorls of three. Loose clusters of starry, white, tubular flowers bloom generously in summer, and may continue sporadically throughout the year.
Hardy in tropical, frost-free climates, this jasmine prefers full to part sun and moist, fertile, well-drained soil. It is also somewhat tolerant of dry conditions. The plant may be gently pruned to form a shrub, or trained to climb a wall, fence or other supportive structure. It is also suitable for use in containers. Be sure to grow Arabian jasmine near outdoor living spaces where its intoxicating fragrance can be fully enjoyed.
In some tropical and subtropical regions, including Florida, Arabian jasmine is an invasive species and may be prohibited for use in modern garden designs.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Vine/Liana
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Southern Asia, Polynesia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, 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)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
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
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
