Protection from cold temperatures is one of the most important aspects of jasmine plant care. Growing jasmine vines can create a perfumed shield over arbors, trellises and fences. The bush types are excellent landscape specimens with starry pink, white, ivory or even yellow scented blooms.
Jasmine Plants
Jasmine plant care may require a bit of effort, but the results are well worth the work. Not all jasmine plants are fragrant, but the most common and hardy do produce a sweet, carrying fragrance. Common jasmine is a vine, and has larger glossy green leaves than Royal jasmine. Both can survive in temperate climates if they are planted in a sheltered area. Arabian jasmine is a small bush with evergreen leaves. There are many other varieties of jasmine plant, of which are best suited for sub-tropical climates. Learning how to grow jasmine will add a striking visual and olfactory touch to the garden.
How to Grow Jasmine
•Choose a warm, sheltered location when growing jasmine. The vining varieties require a support structure as some can get 15 feet (4.5 m.) tall. •All jasmine plants prefer sun to light shade sites with well-draining and moderately fertile soil. •Install the plant in the ground at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot. Most jasmine plants are grafted onto the common jasmine rootstock because of their superior hardiness.
Care of a Jasmine Vine
Jasmine plant care is not difficult but does require vigilance. The vines need to be trained early when they are young. You may use plant ties or just weave them through trellis sections. •Fertilize the plant in spring just before new growth appears. •Pinch off the tips of the vines in the second year to promote branching which will fill the trellis with bushy growth. •The vining jasmine plant is prone to spider mites, which can be combated with horticultural oil or neem oil.
Indoor Jasmine Care
Dwarf varieties of jasmine make excellent houseplants. They require even moisture and a sunny location in the home. Vines can also be brought into the home, and the height is easy to manage with pruning or pinching in the dormant season. Potted plants don’t have access to extra nutrients, so they need fertilizing twice annually. Watch carefully for pests and water from the bottom to prevent spotting on the glossy leaves. Your jasmine plant will flower in late spring into summer. Repot it before bloom time in early spring as needed.
How to Grow Jasmine Cuttings
Harvest tip cuttings in spring and plant them for free plants. Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone and push the end into a soilless medium, such as peat. Keep the cutting lightly moist. Jasmine plant cuttings are best started during June to October. Once rooted, follow general jasmine plant care instructions.
