Family: Oleaceae
Common Name: Jasmine

This large genus comprises both climbers and shrubs that may be either evergreen or decidu­ous. It is mostly the climbers that have the beau­tiful, sweet fragrance and they have become a favourite with American gardeners. The petals of some of the scented species are used in perfumes and teas. The star-shaped flowers come in shades of pink, yellow and white and the leaves are simple, trifoliate or pinnate and may be either opposite or alternate.

Species

J. azoricum, zone 9, is an evergreen climber, from Madeira, with opposite leaves and fragrant, white flowers in late summer. It grows to 4-5 m (13-16 ft).

J. laurifolium f. nitidum, zone 10, from the South Pacific, is a slender-stemmed climber, 2-3 m (6-10 ft) tall, with glossy, solitary leaves and sprays of white flowers.

J. mesnyi, zone 9, from China, is an evergreen, semi-climbing shrub with lovely, semi-double, yellow flowers. It has long, arch­ing branches, so it needs plenty of room to be seen to best effect, and dark green, trifoliate leaves. This species grows to around 3 m (10 ft) and needs a frost-free climate.

J. nudiflorum, zone 6, is a rambling, deciduous shrub from China, which grows to a height of 3.5 m (11 ft) and produces single, yellow flowers in winter.

J. officinale, common jasmine, zone 7, from China, is a deciduous or semi-evergreen, shrubby climber which can grow as tall as 9 m (30 ft). The clusters of deep pink buds are fol­lowed by deliciously fragrant, white flowers in summer and autumn. The form affine has a rather straggly habit but produces the most beautiful, white, scented flowers. this climber grows to 3 m (10 ft) and can be easily trained to beautify walls, doorways and other architectural fea­tures.

J. polyanthum, zone 9, is another tall climber from China, to 3 m (10 ft). It is an attractive, evergreen species, with fern-like foliage and intensely perfumed, white flowers. It can become rampant and invasive in warm areas, but makes a pretty pot plant in cooler regions.

J. rex, king jasmine, zone 10, from Thailand, grows to 2.5 m (8 ft) and bears white summer flowers.

J. sambac, Arabian jasmine, zone 10, is an evergreen climber with very fra­grant, white flowers. The double cultivar 'Grand Duke of Tuscany' has been grown for centuries. The flowers of both species and culti­vars are used to flavor tea.

Cultivation

These fast-growing plants need annual pruning to control them. In cold and cool climates, grow the hardy species outdoors in full sun or partial shade, tender species in a cool to intermediate greenhouse or conservatory.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.