Jasminum
( jazz - MIN - um )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs and vines needs full sun to light shade and moderate to regular water. Commonly called Jasmine, these plants take various forms and have different levels of fragrance. The plant that many people know as Jasmine is actually a species of a different genus, Trachelospermum jasminoides.
|
Jasminum Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Jasmine vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Jasminum angulare (South African Jasmine) This species is an evergreen vining shrub that grows well in zones 16-24 and H1. Native to South Africa, they grow 10-20 feet long vining stems and have green leaves and white flowers. The blossoms appear in groups of three in summertime and have a subtle sweet fragrance. |
Jasminum humile (Italian Jasmine) This species of Jasmine takes the form of an evergreen vining shrub. It grows well in zones 5-10, 12-24, H1 and H2. They are native to the Middle East, Myanmar, and China and have light green leaves and clusters of fragrant bright yellow flowers that bloom in summertime. It can be trained as a shrub or even clipped into a hedge. Variety 'Revolutum' has larger flowers and leaves than the species. |
Jasminum laurifolium nitidum (Jasminum nitidum) (Shining Jasmine, Angelwing Jasmine) This species can be evergreen or semi-evergreen and grows well in zones 12, 16, 19-24, H1 and H2. It is native to the Admiralty Islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It requires a long season of warmth to bloom well and is hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows to 10-20 feet and has glossy green leaves and fragrant flowers open from purple buds in springtime. Petals are purple underneath. This species can be used as a groundcover. |
Jasminum mesnyi (Jasminum prinulinum) (Primrose Jasmine) This species grows well in zones 4-24, H1 and H2 and is native to China. It has arching branches and dark green leaves. Flowers are lemon yellow and unscented, either double or semi-double. The bloom appears mainly in winter or spring but can bloom sporadically in other times of the year. This species needs space, and does best when attached to a climbing structure. Use it to cover a pergola, bank, or large wall, or trim it to form a 3-foot tall hedge. |
Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter Jasmine) This species takes the form of a vining deciduous shrub and is best in zones 2-21 and is native to China. Can reach 4 feet tall and 7 feet wide unsupported, but if on a trellis or structure, it can reach up to 15 feet tall. Flowers are bright yellow and appear before foliage fills out in early springtime. Leaves are glossy green and it makes a good bank cover. Stems will root where they touch ground and are attractive at the top of walls, allowing their stems to cascade over the edge. A variegated form is also available. |
Jasminum officinale (Common White Jasmine, Poet's Jasmine) Semi-evergreen to deciduous vine that grows well in zones 5-9, 12-24 and H1. It is native to the Himalayas and the Caucasus. They reach 30 feet tall and have fragrant white blossoms that bloom summer through fall. Leaves are green. Varieties include 'Argenteovariegatum' (with leaves edged in creamy white), 'Aureum' (with golden foliage), and Jasminum officinale affine (commonly called Spanish Jasmine, grows to only 15 feet but has larger blooms). |
Jasminum polyanthum This evergreen vining plant grows well in zones 5-9, 12-24 and H1 and is native to China. it is a fast-growing plant that reaches 20 feet and has bright green to dark green leaves that are more pale underneath. Fragrant blossoms are white inside, pink on the exterior and bloom in clusters. Flowers appear in late winter and spring. It can be used as a groundcover and is good in hanging baskets. Choice selection 'Variegatum' has leaves that have pale yellow edges. |
Jasminum sambac (Arabian Jasmine, Pikake) This takes the form of an evergreen vining shrub and grows well in zones 13-21, 23, 24, H1 and H2. It is native to tropical Asia and grows to 6-10 feet tall. Leaves are glossy and green and flowers bloom in summer, fragrant and white. The flowers are used in leis in Hawaii and for brewing teas in Asia. Variety 'Grand Double' has double flowers. |
Caring for Jasminium
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 383 - 384, Jasminum
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!