Jasminum officinale aka Common White Jasmine

Taxonomy

Jasminum officinale, commonly known as the common jasmine or simply jasmine, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. Native to the Caucasus and parts of Asia, this deciduous, twining, woody climber reaches a height of about 6m. Its pale yellow-green, ferny leaves are flushed with a bright golden-yellow color, and throughout the summer, it produces fragrant, star-shaped white flowers, sometimes with a pale pink flush. Commonly referred to as summer jasmine, poet's jasmine, white jasmine, true jasmine, or jessamine, this plant is highly esteemed by gardeners worldwide for the intense fragrance of its blooms. It is also the National flower of Pakistan. The common jasmine is a versatile plant that thrives in various temperatures and soil types, making it a delightful addition to any garden. Its fragrant white flowers, which bloom in spring and summer, are not only visually appealing but also have numerous applications. They are used to create perfumes, teas, and potpourri, and in certain cultures, they are incorporated into wedding ceremonies to symbolize love and fidelity. In addition to its ornamental value, common jasmine possesses medicinal properties. The plant's essential oil is known for its antibacterial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves of Jasminum officinale are used to treat various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Overall, the common jasmine is a hardy, fragrant, and versatile plant that offers both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. Whether grown for its captivating fragrance or its medicinal properties, it is a beloved choice among gardeners worldwide.

Common names

Common White Jasmine, Common Jasmine, Jessamine, Poet's Jasmine

How to care for Common White Jasmine

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Common White Jasmine is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Common White Jasmine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Common White Jasmine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Common White Jasmine prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Common White Jasmine to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Common White Jasmine. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Common White Jasmine should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Common White Jasmine’s native range is Eurasia, Africa, and Oceania.


More info:
Wikipedia