Jasminum sambac aka Arabian Jasmine

Jasminum sambac typically reaches 3 meters (10 feet) in height and spread when grown outdoors in tropical climates, though it can climb up to 7.5 meters with support. In containers, expect 1.2-1.5 meters (4-5 feet) in height and spread. The growth rate is moderate, and without support it forms a sprawling shrub; with a trellis it becomes a twining vine. The dark green, glossy leaves are ovate, measuring 4-12.5 cm long.

Jasminum sambac thrives in warm temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F) for indoor growing. It requires minimum temperatures of 15°C (60°F) and cannot tolerate frost. In USDA zones 9-11, it can grow outdoors year-round. The plant tolerates only occasional light frosts, so in temperate climates, bring containers indoors before the first frost to overwinter in bright rooms with moderate temperatures.

Jasminum sambac produces one of the most intensely fragrant flowers in the plant kingdom, with a rich, sweet, heady scent that is strongest at night. The flowers open in the evening (typically 6-8 PM) and release their maximum fragrance during nighttime hours, closing in the morning after 12-20 hours. This night-blooming characteristic makes it ideal for evening gardens. The scent is so valued that it takes 800 kg of fresh flowers to produce just 1 kg of jasmine concrete for perfume.

Jasminum sambac produces small, waxy white flowers measuring 2-3 cm in diameter, arranged in clusters of 3-12 blooms. In tropical climates, it flowers year-round, while in temperate regions it blooms primarily from June to August. The flowers open at night and close in the morning, with each bloom lasting 12-20 hours. Flower yield can be impressive, ranging from 1-7 tonnes per hectare annually in commercial cultivation.

Three main cultivars dominate: 'Maid of Orleans' (single flowers with 5+ petals, most common and easiest to grow, best shade tolerance), 'Belle of India' (semi-double flowers with elongated petals, needs higher temperatures and light), and 'Grand Duke of Tuscany' (large double flowers resembling miniature roses up to 4 cm, slowest growing but longest-lasting blooms). All varieties share equally intense fragrance. 'Maid of Orleans' is the variety most often called Sampaguita or Pikake.

Jasminum sambac grows outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9-11 (UK zone 10), where minimum temperatures stay above 15°C (60°F). In these zones, plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, humus-rich soil. In cooler climates, grow in containers that can be moved indoors before frost. The plant has naturalized in many tropical regions including Florida, the Caribbean, and Pacific Islands. Provide support like a trellis if you want it to climb, or allow it to grow as a sprawling shrub.

Prune Jasminum sambac immediately after flowering to maximize future blooms, typically late spring to early summer. Use sharp, clean tools to cut back stems that have flowered to just above a strong side-shoot or lateral bud. Remove crossing, weak, or damaged stems throughout the year. Regular pruning is essential to maintain a compact shrub shape (aim for about 1.5m tall and 1.2m wide) and encourage fuller growth. Avoid pruning in winter when the plant is vulnerable and developing next season's buds.

Propagate Jasminum sambac through stem cuttings or layering. For cuttings, take 15-20 cm semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or summer, cutting at a 45-degree angle below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves, leaving 1-2 sets at the top, optionally dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a peat-perlite mix with at least 2 nodes buried. Cover with clear plastic to maintain humidity and place in bright indirect light. Roots develop in 4-8 weeks. For layering, bury a stem 10-15 cm deep with a shallow cut while still attached to the parent plant.

Repot Jasminum sambac every 2-3 years or when roots become pot-bound, typically in spring before the growing season begins. Choose a pot one size larger with good drainage holes. Use a loose, humus-rich, well-draining potting mix—one part peat to one part perlite works well. Avoid over-potting as this can lead to root rot. The plant performs well when slightly root-bound, which can encourage blooming.

Clean Jasminum sambac's glossy leaves monthly by gently wiping with a damp cloth to remove dust, which helps the plant photosynthesize efficiently. Avoid using leaf shine products as they can clog stomata. During cleaning, inspect for pests like spider mites or aphids, which often hide on leaf undersides. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves promptly to maintain plant health and appearance. Good air circulation around the plant helps prevent fungal issues.

Yellow leaves on Jasminum sambac most commonly indicate overwatering or poor drainage—the plant is sensitive to wet soil and develops root rot easily. Other causes include nutrient deficiencies (especially magnesium if veins stay green while leaves yellow), underwatering, alkaline soil, low light, or natural leaf drop in response to cold weather. Check soil drainage first, ensure you're allowing soil to partially dry between waterings, and consider feeding with a balanced fertilizer if the problem persists.

Brown leaf tips and edges on Jasminum sambac typically result from environmental stress: too much direct hot sun, heat stress, underwatering, or low humidity. Brown tips can also indicate the pot is too small and soil is drying out quickly, or nutrient burn from over-fertilizing. Ensure the plant receives morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates, maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging, and increase humidity if the air is dry. Remove severely affected leaves and adjust care accordingly.

Drooping in Jasminum sambac is most often caused by underwatering—the plant's stems become limp when soil is too dry. However, overwatering causing root rot can produce similar symptoms as damaged roots cannot uptake water. Check soil moisture: if dry, water thoroughly and the plant should recover within hours. If soil is wet and the plant still droops, root rot may be present. Other causes include heat stress, transplant shock, or insufficient light causing weak, leggy growth.

Leaf drop in Jasminum sambac can be a natural response to environmental changes, particularly cold temperatures or seasonal shifts in light. In tropical plants, sudden temperature drops or moving the plant between different environments often triggers leaf shedding. Overwatering leading to root rot is another common cause. Some leaf drop is normal, especially after bringing plants indoors for winter. If excessive, check for root health, ensure stable temperatures above 15°C (60°F), and avoid placing near drafts or heating vents.

Slow growth in Jasminum sambac often results from insufficient light—the plant needs 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. Other limiting factors include cool temperatures (below 18°C/65°F), nutrient deficiency, being pot-bound without adequate root space, or improper soil conditions. Note that 'Grand Duke of Tuscany' cultivar is naturally slower growing than other varieties. To boost growth, ensure adequate light, maintain warm temperatures, feed with balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season, and repot if root-bound.

Jasminum sambac has no serious pest or disease problems according to Missouri Botanical Garden, but watch for aphids (small green insects on new growth), spider mites (tiny pests causing stippled leaves, especially in dry conditions), leaf spot (fungal spotting on leaves), and root rot (from overwatering). Inspect regularly, especially leaf undersides. Treat aphids and mites with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prevent fungal issues with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Root rot requires improving drainage and reducing watering frequency.

Jasminum sambac is pollinated by insects, attracted by its intensely fragrant flowers that release maximum scent at night when the flowers open. The strong fragrance is specifically adapted to attract nocturnal pollinators. In commercial cultivation, plants are grown for flower harvest, so fruit set is rarely a concern. When pollinated, the plant produces small black berries, but seed propagation is uncommon as the seeds have poor germination rates. Most propagation is done vegetatively through cuttings or layering.

Yes, Jasminum sambac flowers are edible and have been used in Asian cuisine for centuries. They are most famously used to flavor jasmine tea in China, where fresh flowers are layered with tea leaves to impart their fragrance. The flowers can be used as garnishes in desserts, infused in water for drinks, or added to rice dishes. In Thailand, jasmine-infused water is a traditional beverage. The flowers have a sweet, perfumed flavor with slight bitterness. PFAF rates edibility as 3 out of 5. Ensure you have true Jasminum sambac, as some other plants called 'jasmine' may be toxic.

Jasminum sambac has extensive traditional medicinal uses in Asian medicine, rated 3/5 by PFAF. Traditionally used to treat inflammation, fever, skin conditions, diarrhea, headaches, and as an antiseptic and sedative. The flowers contain antioxidants, flavonoids, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds. Modern research has investigated its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardiovascular benefits. Jasmine aromatherapy is used for stress relief and mood improvement. However, most research is preliminary, and the plant should not replace professional medical treatment.

Beyond fragrance and medicine, Jasminum sambac has significant cultural and commercial uses, rated 3/5 by PFAF. It's the national flower of the Philippines (Sampaguita) and one of Indonesia's national flowers (Melati Putih), used in religious ceremonies. In Hawaii, the flowers make Pikake leis for special occasions. The perfume industry values its essential oil highly—800 kg of flowers yield just 1 kg of jasmine concrete. The flowers are used in aromatherapy and cosmetics. Ornamentally, it serves as a fragrant hedge, trellis plant, or container specimen.

In temperate climates, Jasminum sambac requires seasonal care adjustments. Spring: increase watering and begin monthly fertilizing as growth resumes. Summer: maintain consistent moisture, provide afternoon shade in hot areas, and enjoy peak blooming. Fall: gradually reduce watering and feeding; prepare to bring indoors before first frost. Winter: keep in bright room at 15-18°C (60-65°F), reduce watering significantly (allow soil to dry more between waterings), stop fertilizing. In tropical climates (zones 9-11), the plant grows and blooms year-round with consistent care.