ASIATIC JASMINE

Asiatic jasmine, also known as Asian star jasmine or yellow star jasmine, is a versatile ground cover or climbing plant with fragrant flowers that attract songbirds. A warm climate staple, Asiatic jasmine is happy in partial shade but prefers full sun, growing just fine in many types of soils as long as they are well-draining.

Planting

Plant Asiatic jasmine when the weather is cool. Space plants about a foot or two apart for mass planting so they have room to spread. Dig a hole twice as large as the root ball at the same depth as the original nursery pot. Gently remove the plant from the pot, tease the roots to loosen soil and place in the hole. Backfill with soil, firm around the roots, and water. Continue watering frequently (twice a week) for the first month, cutting back to once a week for a few more weeks until established.

Light

Asiatic jasmine can be grown in full sun and partial shade. It does best in partial shade in southern or western exposures with hot midday or afternoon sun.

Soil

This plant is not fussy about soil conditions and grows well anywhere with good drainage. However, it thrives in moist soil with a high percentage of organic matter. Alkaline soil above a pH of 8.0 is unsuitable as it slows down plant growth and is detrimental to plant health.

Water

Until newly planted Asiatic jasmine are established, the soil needs to be kept consistently moist so they can grow strong roots. Water every three or four days for the first month, and about once a week for another couple of months.

When the plants are established, they have moderate drought tolerance. Unless there is a dry spell without rain or extreme heat, or if the leaves are wilting, they don’t need watering, which adds to their appeal as a turfgrass alternative.

Regular watering is important when growing Asiatic jasmine for flowers because dry conditions lead to reduced bloom.

Asiatic jasmine in a container needs to be watered at least daily.

Temperature and Humidity

Asiatic jasmine is a tropical plant that thrives in humid conditions and does not like extreme or dry desert heat. It is not winter-hardy below USDA zone 7 although it is cold tolerant and remains green even after a hard freeze, which is why it is valued as a turfgrass alternative in warm climates.

Fertilizer

Asiatic jasmine isn’t a heavy feeder. Fertilizing it once a year with a complete balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season in the spring is generally sufficient.