The jasmines are a genus of perennial, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or vines with over 200 species in the olive family (Oleaceae). The species are native to tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia and Australia but are prized worldwide for the fragrance of their flowers. The genus name is a Latinization of the Persian name yasmin or yasamin . Jasmines need full sun for optimal health or at least bright light. Most will need moist, well-drained soil, though some species are somewhat tolerant of dry soils. While some specimens can grow up to 20 ft, container plants will usually stay at 4 to 5 ft and are easily pruned to size. Because flowers are borne on old growth, prune after flowering to ensure a good bud set for the next season. Hardy jasmines are grown as landscape shrubs or groundcovers; the less hardy species are houseplants or conservatory subjects. They are suitable for Asian gardens, sensory gardens, childrens gardens, as well as formal, cottage, or winter gardens. Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems: Aphids or spider mites, leaf spot, and root rot can occur; however, insect and disease problems are uncommon for outdoor plants. Problems are more likely to occur for plants brought indoors for the winter. VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Leaves vary between species; some are odd-pinnate compound and others simple, some are more ovate while others lanceolate, some have entire margins while others are undulate. Most houseplant species have opposite arrangement and entire margins.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Pink; White
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Cyme; Solitary
Flower shape
Star; Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Flowers are usually about 1 inch across and can be white. pink, or yellow in color and very fragrant. Flowers are either solitary or in terminal cymose clusters of at least three flowers with 4 to 9 petals. Most are star-shaped with tubular bases. Double-flowered cultivars are available. Not all species are fragrant.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Black
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit detail
Berries turn black when ripe
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Tropical and Subtropical regions, Central China, Pacific Islands
Distribution
cultivated worldwide
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Colorful; Easy to Grow; Fragrance; Wildlife Cover/Habitat
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Berry
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Children's Garden; Cottage Garden; English Garden; Garden for the Blind; Winter Garden