Arabian Sambac Jasmine
A: Yes. Typically in cooler weather, Arabian jasmine plants drop their leaves.
Arabian Jasmine Plant: Fragrant Flowers and Lush Foliage
Mysterious, alluring, and tropical, the sweet jasmine flowers of the Arabian jasmine plant are beautiful. Our care guide helps you grow them!
By Kevin Espiritu Last updated: July 18, 2023 | 7 min read
Exotic and alluring, the Arabian jasmine plant is a native of Southeast Asia. Known botanically as Jasminum sambac, its sweetly fragrant flowers are prized. In fact, it’s the national plant of the Philippines and one of the three national plants of Indonesia! The floral aroma is used in China to scent jasmine tea, and jasmine flowers adorn leis in the Hawaiian islands.
As you can probably guess, this tropical delight is a real treasure in the garden. Fragrant plants like this one add ambiance, and the dark green leaves on this shrub are visually appealing. If you’re trying to coax a little tropical variety into your outdoors space, you’ll definitely want to consider Jasminum sambac!
Useful Products For Growing Arabian Jasmine Plant:
- Neem Bliss 100% Cold Pressed Neem Oil
- Monterey Liqui-Cop Copper Fungicide Concentrate
- Serenade Garden Disease Control Biofungicide
Quick Care Guide
| Common Name(s) | Arabian jasmine, Sambac jasmine, sampaguita and more |
| Scientific Name | Jasminum sambac |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Zone | 9-11 outdoors, can be grown in other zones if wintered indoors |
| Height and Spread | Variable, spreads rapidly. Can be grown as a shrub or vine. |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Full sun is best for flowering. |
| Soil | Loose, friable, humus-rich. |
| Water | Water when soil is dry to 2″ depth |
| Pests and Diseases | Aphids, spider mites, black scale. Also leaf spot and root rot. |
All About Arabian Jasmine
Its names are many: Sampaguita in the Phillippines, Pikake in Hawaii, Mogra in India, Melati Putih in Indonesia. But the Arabian jasmine’s charm goes far beyond its waxy, tiny white flowers. Without support, it grows as a mounding and trailing shrub. But with a little help, it can also twine to form a shrubby, upward-growing vine.
Evergreen, these tropical plants are lush and full. Some, such as the rare ‘Arabian Nights’ cultivar, unleash their fragrance only at night. Others spread their sweet aroma throughout the yard constantly.
The stems of the plant are downy and hold large, oval leaves that can reach three inches in length. Jasmine flowers develop in cymes or clusters of 3-12 small blooms. Each flower is about an inch across and waxy in appearance. While white when new, these lovely strongly-scented flowers turn light pink as they mature, then yellowish-brown when they wane.
In their native tropical Asian environment, a stem can grow to as much as 25′ long. When naturalized in a garden setting, they tend to 3′ -10′ lengths depending on whether it’s grown as a shrub or vine.
These Oleaceae-family plants are truly garden superstars. Whether you’re growing them for their fragrant buds or foliage, there’s lots here to enjoy! With jasmine tea and essential oils as prized products of the plant, you’ll love growing this one.
A few popular cultivars include “Maid of Orleans”, “Belle of India”, and “Grand Duke of Tuscany”. There’s a variety of others as well.
Arabian Jasmine Plant Care
With the right care, your plant will bloom throughout the year. Sampaguita is an easy-care plant, although it does like its tropical environment. Let’s go over what you need to keep those white flowers blooming and the vines climbing!
Light and Temperature
Tropical plants like the Arabian jasmine plant love warm temperatures. It grows best in zones 9-11, although people outside those areas can overwinter plants indoors. Make sure they’ve got plenty of bright light!
When planting jasmine, select a location where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Throughout the growing season, ideal temperatures for flowering are 80-90°F (27°-32°C) during the day and 70-80° (21°-27°C) at night. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but it doesn’t handle frost conditions well.
Aim for at least 6-8 hours of light per day.
Water and Humidity
Regular watering is required to keep the soil moist. Sambac jasmine prefers at least 1″ of water per week, and more if it’s hot outdoors. Check the soil moisture before watering – if the top two inches are dry, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, as stem or root rot may result.
This ornamental plant loves humid conditions. Even if you’re not in a humid environment, keeping the soil moist should provide enough ambient humidity for this plant.
When winter arrives, water less frequently. Check the soil moisture first. Also, keep indoor jasmine plants out of the direct vent flow from your heater. While it loves warmth, a heater vent can cause the soil to dry out fast.
Soil
Loose, light, humusy soil is ideal for your Arabian jasmine plant. It should be well-draining but hold water well. Richer soils with lots of compost will make your Sambac jasmine happy!
Your soil pH should be between 4.9 and 7.5, with an optimum range of 5.5-6.0. If the soil’s pH is over 6.5, iron in the soil is less available to the jasmine. Stick towards the slightly-acidic side.
Fertilizer
When you first get your Arabian jasmine, hold off on fertilizing. Allow the plant to become established where you’ve planted it!
Fertilize your outdoor jasmine plant four times during the year. Once will be right after its late-winter pruning. Three more feedings should be evenly spaced during the spring, summer, and fall months. A 10-30-10 fertilizer is recommended for jasmine flower production. Use a slow-release granular form and broadcast it evenly under the plant.
For indoor plants, use a liquid fertilizer, diluted in water. Thoroughly water to saturate the plant’s soil. Then, slowly pour the fertilizer over the soil. Allow excess water or fertilizer to drain off. Empty any catch-trays beneath the plant. Since liquid applications are diluted, apply monthly. If the temperature indoors is below 70 degrees, delay to every 6 weeks.
Repotting Arabian Jasmine
Jasminum sambac doesn’t like being in oversized pots. When repotting, 2-3″ wider or deeper than its prior pot is the largest you’ll want to go. A large pot may hold too much moisture for your jasmine.
Plant at the same depth your plant was at in its former pot. Don’t add extra soil on top of that, as that can harm the stem.
Arabian Jasmine Propagation
Jasmine plants are generally propagated by cuttings. While we’ve talked extensively in the past about maintaining your cuttings, there’s a few things to note about this species.
Your Arabian jasmine plant is a semi-hardwood. Older, hardened growth is not as good for taking cuttings from, as it won’t be as energetic. Take cuttings from the prior season’s growth for the best outcome.
Cut just below a leaf node, and remove all but the top three leaves on the cutting. If there’s any buds or old flowers, remove those too. Dip your cutting into water, then a rooting hormone, and place it in prepared potting soil.
Have everything ready in advance, and plant immediately after taking the jasmine cuttings.
Pruning Arabian Jasmine
Once blooming ends, and the winter has set in, it’s time to do your main pruning. Trim off all dead or dying vines, and remove any spent flowers. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts. Try to cut above nodes or buds whenever possible, as this will spur new growth and strongly-scented flowers later.
If you’re growing your jasmine as a garden vine, the winter pruning is your most in-depth pruning of the year. The rest of the year, you can tip-prune if desired to coax more fragrant white flowers during their growing season. You can also trim to maintain a particular height.
Those growing Arabian jasmine plant as a shrub will need to stay on top of their pruning. It will rapidly grow during the year. In Florida, Jasminum sambac is considered a class II exotic invasive plant because of its rapid spread. To keep it from taking over your garden, you’ll want to trim it back when it starts to go out of bounds. Most people keep their jasmine shrub about 5′ tall at most, and many maintain it at 2′-4′.
Troubleshooting
Most jasmine issues don’t result from garden pests or diseases. They’re related to care.
Growing Problems
If you’ve found your garden jasmine just isn’t producing flowers, you’re probably not giving it enough light. Move it to a brighter location.
Multiple things can cause the leaves of your jasmine plants to turn yellow. The most common is underwatering. Jasmines are not drought-tolerant garden plants. They like their moisture and their humidity. Without water, they’ll droop and gradually turn yellow. Add more water.
But not too much water! If there’s standing water, or the soil seems muddy, yellowing can also be a sign of overwatering.
Yellowing can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency or overabundance. If you add too much fertilizer, it can cause fertilizer burn to the roots, which causes yellowing. Too little, and the plant may also yellow. To check these levels, perform a soil test. A professional one is best, but a home kit can give you some hints while you wait.
Pests
Three particular pests are common on the Arabian jasmine. All three are sucking pests:
Click on the pest type to find more information about control methods for that specific pest!
Diseases
Leaf spot and root rot are the most common diseases. Avoid excessive watering to prevent fungal root rots. Water at the plant’s base to prevent leaf spot. Consider a biofungicide or copper fungicide spray to fix leaf spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Arabian jasmine safe around my pets?
A: Absolutely. Jasmine species are perfectly safe around pets and people.
Q. When should I pick my jasmine flowers?
A: Right after they have fully bloomed. But be forewarned, they don’t last long. They stay white and fresh for about a day before they start to brown.
Q: Is Arabian jasmine an indoor or outdoor plant?
A: Most jasmines are perfect indoor plants. Common jasmine, winter jasmine, and Arabian jasmine are some of the most common that are perfect for indoor growing.
Q: Does Arabian jasmine need a trellis?
A: Arabian jasmine does best when it can climb a fence or trellis. If you’re growing it in a container, give it a lattice or small trellis to climb.
Q: Does Arabian jasmine like sun or shade?
A: Arabian jasmine likes full sun to partial shade, and does best with more sun in temperate climates. Jasmine plants grown in hotter climates may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Q: Does Arabian jasmine smell good?
A: It really does! That’s what makes growing this ornamental plant so rewarding.
Q: Does Arabian jasmine lose its leaves in winter?
A: Yes. Typically in cooler weather, Arabian jasmine plants drop their leaves.
Q: Can Arabian jasmine survive winter?
A: In its hardiness range of zones 9 to 11, yes. However, it will need protection in cooler zones, and may not survive a very cold winter. In areas where it gets very cold, plant your jasmine in a planter and bring it indoors over winter.
Arabian Sambac Jasmine
Overview: Arabian Jasmine, botanically known as Jasminum Sambac, is a tropical treasure. Its dark green, stalk less leaves and shrubs enhance ambiance, while its flowers are widely known for their fragrance. Dried Jasmine flowers are used to scent Jasmine teas in China and to adorn Leis in the Hawaiian Islands. It is the perfect plant to spruce up your outdoor space.
The interesting thing about this plant is that you can train it as a short climber plant or maintain it as a shrub. Not only this, you can use a pot to plant Arabian Jasmine indoors. The Jasmine plant also has a number of traditional uses in medicine, aromatherapy, and cosmetics. However, the reason most plant parents prefer it is that it has pretty and fragrant flowers.
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Description
Perfume Your Evenings in the Garden with the Sambac Jasmine
Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, Arabian Jasmine will delight you for much longer than 1,001 nights.
The famous flowers of the Jasmine plant normally bloom during the summers and rainy seasons. However, if you live in a region with a warm climate, your plant may flower all year long. The white, scented flowers grow in clusters of 3 and 12 and may be single, semi-double, or double.
History
Jasminum Sambac is the scientific name for the plant commonly known as Arabian Jasmine or Mogra. It belongs to the Oleaceae family of plants. The plant producing highly fragrant flowers originated in the tropical Asian regions such as Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Among these regions, this double flower plant is commonly called Motiya or Mogra.
In 1753, in the first edition of the Systema Naturae Book, this plant was first described as Nyctanthes Sambac by the writer of the book, Carl Linnaeus. Later in 1789, William Aiton reclassified it to the Jasmine genus, also naming it Arabian Jasmine.
Caring for your Arabian Jasmine
There are a few things you will need to consider to keep those white flowers blooming and the vines climbing. Jasminum Sambac is an easy-to-care-for plant, but it prefers its original tropical environment.
Light
These plants love warm temperatures and bright lights. To grow a healthy Jasmine plant, make sure it is exposed to full or partial sunlight. Aim for 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. If you keep it as an indoor plant, remember to place it by a window to provide it with direct sunlight.
Soil
The ideal soil for your Arabian Jasmine is loose, loamy, humus-y soil. It prefers a well-draining soil medium that holds water well. Plenty of organic matter in your soil will make your plant happy.
Water
Jasmine plants love a humid environment. Make sure you keep the soil moist to provide enough humidity.
Regularly water your plant to keep it moist but not wet. Overwatering your plant will cause your plant to rot. Before you water an Arabian Jasmine plant, consider checking the soil moisture. Touch it, and if the first few inches of the soil feel dry, it is time to water. You can do this once a week or more, depending on the climate of your area.
The jasmine plant requires plenty of water during summers. However, you should cut down on watering it during the winter months.
Fertilizer
Hold the fertilizing step for some time after you get a new Jasmine plant. It is important to let your plant establish in its new home first. You can fertilize your outdoor plant four times a year. As for your indoor plant, dilute liquid fertilizer in the water. Give the plant high quality, well-balanced fertilizer to support abundant blooming.
Pests and Diseases
When growing this beautiful plant, don’t forget to be aware of the possible infestation of pests and diseases. Sucking pests like aphids, spider mites, and black scale insects attack these plants.
A few larger insects also sometimes chew on the Jasmine leaves, causing them to get thinner over time.
Common diseases like blight, rust and Fusarium wilt fill appears on areas of leaves and stems in the form of patches, causing them to wilt.
Pruning
While Arabian jasmine does not require extensive pruning, it is still important to trim off dead or dying vines. If you live in a climate where your plant stops blooming during the winter season, this is the time when you should start removing dead branches and cutting upper nodes and buds. For a plant that blooms all year round, simply prune to maintain the shape.
Propagation
Jasmine plants are generally propagated by semi-ripe cuttings. To get the best results, take cuttings from the prior season’s growth.
- Cut a stem about 6 inches long from directly below a leaf
- Remove any buds or old flowers
- Dip the cutting into the water, followed by a root hormone
- Gently place the cutting in moist soil
Make sure you plant the cutting immediately.
Potting/Repotting your Jasmine Plant
Arabian Jasmine does very well in pots. It likes moist soil, but wet soil can cause it harm, so choose pots with appropriate drainage holes. Such pots prevent moisture issues.
This plant does not prefer oversized pots. Once your plant starts to grow and takes up all the space in the pot, simply transfer it to a bigger pot.
Conclusion
Jasmine plants have many uses and are not at all toxic to children or pets. Therefore, they are a perfect choice for beginner gardeners.