Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Apocynaceae
Botanical Name
TABERNAEMONTANA divaricata
Plant Common Name
Crepe Jasmine, Pinwheel Jasmine, Tabernaemontana
General Description
Exotic night-fragrant flowers and handsome evergreen foliage grace this cold-tender medium-sized to large shrub. Native to India and southeastern Asia and widely cultivated throughout the tropics, it forms a densely-branched mound of shiny dark green foliage. The oblong deeply veined leaves are paired along the stems. Long-tubed white flowers with flared spiralling lobes appear in loose clusters at the ends of the branches. Flowering occurs throughout the year with heaviest bloom in spring and summer. Semi-double- and double-flowered cultivars are available. The fruit is long follicle with a recurved beak.
This heat-loving plant takes a few degrees of frost but will not survive a hard freeze. In cold-winter areas grow it in a moveable container or under glass. It favors acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Although somewhat drought tolerant, it looks and flowers best with regular watering. Plants are more compact in full sun, but light shade results in darker leaves and heavier flowering.
Use this fast-growing shrub in borders and hedges or as an individual specimen. Plant one where the tropical night breezes can carry its intoxicating fragrance to a bedroom, pool, or patio.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
