Jasmine plants, which are native to some of the tropical regions of the world, belong to the genus Jasminum and family Oleaceae. There are around 200 species of jasmine plants in this genus and most them are vines, but, there are some shrubs too. Jasmine plants are originally from Asia, Africa and Europe, growing there due to the tropical and warm temperate climate. It is believed that the term jasmine is derived from the Persian word 'yasmin', which means 'gift from god'. Jasmine plant is widely grown as houseplants and are most often seen as climbers on other plants or on fences and trellises. Scroll down for more information about jasmine plant, its varieties and how to plant jasmine.
Jasmine Plant Facts
Jasmine plant is one of the most popular houseplants for its uniquely scented flowers. This plant is also commercially cultivated in many parts of the world, for its flowers, which is used for making garlands, flavoring tea by using it with either a green tea base or an Oolong base, in perfumes and soaps, in ayurvedic medicines, essential oil etc. Some people mistake some other plants for jasmine plant, as the flowers of several plants resemble jasmine flowers in looks and fragrance. Such plants are called false jasmine plants. True jasmine plants belong to the family Oleaceae and can be either shrubs or vines with evergreen or deciduous leaves. The leaves are mostly simple, trifoliate or pinnate with 5 - 9 leaflets and the flowers are tubular with five to six lobes. The stems of this plant are slender and trailing, with some species having four-sided stems. Most jasmine plants produce white flowers, but, some varieties have cream and yellow flowers too. The size and shape of the flowers can vary with the particular jasmine species. For example, Jasminium sambac produces clustered flowers. Usually, jasmine plants bloom in summer and fall.
Some of the popular jasmine plant varieties are common jasmine that produces white flowers; winter jasmine plants with yellow flowers; Arabian jasmine, which is used for making jasmine tea; South African jasmine with unscented white flowers; Italian jasmine with clusters of yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer; primrose jasmine (shrub) with yellow unscented flowers; Spanish Jasmine with fragrant white flowers; Downy Jasmine with clustered and scented white flowers, etc.
Growing Jasmine Plant
Owing to their fragrant flowers, jasmine plants are very popular as houseplants. The best season for planting jasmine is between June and November. You need well drained moist soil and full sun (or partial shade ) for planting jasmine. It must get at least four to five hours of full sun for growing well. If you want to plant more than one plant in your garden, plant them at least eight feet apart. While watering is very necessary in summer, only mild fertilizers have to be applied during spring. During other seasons, watering can be done once every ten days. Weeding and fertilizing should be a part of regular jasmine plant care. However, fertilizers with phosphorous and potassium have to be applied twice every year - once after annual pruning and once in June or July. Read more on jasmine plant disease and jasmine plant indoor care.
Now you know more about jasmine plant, how to plant jasmine plant and how to take care of it. If you don't have one in your garden, get a jasmine plant from a nearby nursery and make your indoors or garden fragrant.
Jasmine Plant