Jasminum polyanthum
Often called pink jasmine for its rosy buds, this is an evergreen climber prized for profuse late‑winter to spring bloom. It excels in bright conservatories and as a cool‑season houseplant in colder regions. Outdoors it grows vigorously in mild coastal and West Coast climates with support. The fragrance is strong and sweet when nights are cool.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: evergreen twining climber
- Height × spread: 10–20 ft (3–6 m) × 3–8 ft (0.9–2.4 m)
- Bloom window: late winter to spring
- Color & flower form: pink buds opening to white star clusters
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 8–11 in mild climates; indoor plant in colder zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, unknown, native to southwestern China to Myanmar
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Earlier bloom than summer jasmines, often before spring warms up.
- Evergreen foliage versus deciduous common jasmine.
- Rosy flower buds, a distinctive look compared with pure white budded forms.
Strengths
- Heavy flower set on young vines
- Fast coverage of trellises in mild climates
- Performs well as a cool, bright houseplant
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun to bright light with some afternoon shade in hot interiors.
- Soil: well‑drained, moderately fertile; standard potting mix in containers.
- Water: steady moisture while in bud and bloom; reduce slightly after flowering.
- Feeding: light liquid feed in active growth.
- Prune: shorten after bloom to keep to size and encourage new laterals.
- Overwinter: in cold regions grow indoors near a sunny window.
Watch‑outs
- Can layer and root where stems touch soil in frost‑free areas
- Needs a sturdy support and regular trimming
- Buds may drop indoors in low light or very dry air
Best uses (tags)
containers, conservatories, climbers, late‑winter bloom
Provenance note
Native to southwestern China and Myanmar; widely grown under glass in Europe and North America.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Jasminum polyanthum
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants – Jasminum polyanthum
- USDA PLANTS – Jasminum polyanthum
- ASPCA – Jasmine (Jasminum species) non‑toxic to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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