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Jasminum sambac

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Kemper Code:  B658

Common Name: Arabian jasmine
Zone: 9 to 11
Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Oleaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: Tropical Asia
Height: 4 to 5 feet
Spread: 4 to 5 feet
Bloom Time: June - August  
Bloom Color: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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Where is this species invasive in the US?

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11 where it is best grown in loose, humusy, evenly moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. If climbing is desired, tie stems to a support. Prune as needed to maintain plant shape. Propagate from cuttings in summer. In St. Louis, plants may be purchased in spring in containers. Container plants may be brought inside before first fall frost for overwintering in bright sunny rooms of moderate temperature with reduced watering.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Probably native to India or Southeast Asia, Arabian jasmine is a broadleaf evergreen shrub. On a support, it grows as a twining shrubby vine. Unsupported, it grows as a sprawling shrub. Plants feature small, waxy, white, salverform flowers (1” diameter) in clusters (cymes) of 3-12 blooms on downy stems clad with broad-ovate, dark green leaves (to 3” long). Flowers are exceptionally fragrant. In its native territory, this species will grow to as much as 25’ and produce flowers throughout the year. In containers in St. Louis, it usually is grown to 4-5’ with flowers appearing primarily in summer. In China, dried flowers are used to scent jasmine tea. In Hawaii (where commonly called pikake), flowers are used in leis. This species is the national flower of the Philippine Islands.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Aphids or spider mites may occur. Watch for leaf spot and root rot.

Uses:

South of USDA Zone 9, this plant is usually grown in containers that are overwintered indoors.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010


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