Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

Common Jasmine

Jasminum officinale

Its starry blooms scent summer nights like liquid moonlight. Deciduous climbing shrub; common names: Poet's Jasmine, True Jasmine.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces most blooms with 6+ hours of direct daily sunlight
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; protect young plants from heavy frost; thrives in 15–25°C growing conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite pinnate compound leaves with 5–9 oval, glossy green leaflets
  • Flower: Clusters of white, star-shaped, intensely fragrant tubular blooms
  • Stem: Slender, twining woody stems for climbing support
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist; increase frequency during prolonged hot, dry spells

Fertilization

Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the cost of blooms

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Prune immediately after flowering to shape vines and remove dead or damaged stems
  • Thin overcrowded growth to improve airflow and light penetration
  • Trim back long, leggy vines in early spring to encourage bushier, more compact growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no adverse effects reported

Humans: No toxic effects reported; safe for human handling and ingestion in small amounts

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes love, purity, and elegance; commonly used in wedding bouquets and religious ceremonies

Usage: Ornamental climbing vine for trellises and walls; fragrant cut flowers; essential oil production for cosmetics and aromatherapy