Jasminum sambac
A tropical jasmine valued for intensely perfumed white blooms used in garlands and perfume. It grows as a compact shrub or a twining subshrub if tied to a support. In North America it performs best outdoors in frost‑free areas and as a summer container plant elsewhere. Flowering peaks from late spring through summer and continues longer in warm climates. Provide bright light and even moisture with excellent drainage.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: evergreen to semi‑evergreen shrub or twining subshrub
- Height × spread: 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) × 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m)
- Bloom window: late spring to summer; longer in frost‑free regions
- Color & flower form: white single to double clusters
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 9–11 outdoors; container elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, unknown, native to the Indian subcontinent
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- More heat loving and frost tender than common summer jasmine.
- Compact habit suited to patio tubs compared with long climbing types.
- Can flower intermittently year‑round in tropical conditions.
Strengths
- Exceptional fragrance on warm evenings
- Good in containers and small spaces
- Responds to pruning with dense new growth
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun to bright partial sun; a warm, sheltered patio is ideal.
- Soil: loose, humusy, well‑drained potting mix.
- Water: keep evenly moist; avoid waterlogged roots.
- Feeding: balanced, dilute liquid feed spring to midsummer.
- Prune: pinch after flushes to shape and encourage branching.
- Overwinter: move containers indoors before frost; provide bright light and reduced watering.
Watch‑outs
- Cannot tolerate freezing; protect below 32°F (0°C)
- Needs high light indoors to set buds
- Susceptible to spider mites in dry indoor air
Best uses (tags)
containers, patios, fragrant, warm‑climate
Provenance note
Native to the Indian subcontinent and widely cultivated across tropical Asia; named by Aiton in 1789.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden — Jasminum sambac
- USDA PLANTS — Jasminum sambac
- Kew: Plants of the World Online — Jasminum sambac
- ASPCA — Jasmine (Jasminum species) non‑toxic to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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