Jasminum officinale
Common Jasmine
Position
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered south or west-facing position
- Protected from cold winds
- Warm wall ideal
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
- Fully hardy throughout UK
Soil Type
- Well-drained, moisture-retentive soil
- Fertile loam preferred
- Can tolerate most soils if well-drained
Soil PH
- Adaptable to neutral or alkaline soils
- Performs best in neutral
Height
- Height: 6-8 metres
- Spread: 2-3 metres
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering: June to September
- Highly fragrant white flowers
- Dark green foliage from spring to autumn
- No significant autumn colour
- No variegation
- Semi-evergreen in mild winters
Additional Notes
- Intensely fragrant, especially in evening
- Often grown near windows or seating areas for scent
- Can be grown in large containers
- Regular pruning needed to maintain shape
- May need protection in severe winters
- Best flowering on current year’s growth
- Good for pollinators, especially moths
- Takes 2-3 years to establish properly
- May need tying in regularly during growing season
- Benefits from annual mulching in spring
Growing Jasminum officinale: The Classic Common Jasmine
Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a sweetly scented climber that produces clusters of star-shaped white flowers throughout summer. This comprehensive guide will help you grow and maintain this beautiful climbing plant successfully in your garden.
What is Jasminum officinale?
Common jasmine is a deciduous climber that brings fragrant white flowers from June to August. The dark green pinnate leaves provide an attractive backdrop for the blooms.
This twining climber can reach impressive heights, making it ideal for covering walls, fences, or pergolas.
Where Should I Plant Common Jasmine?
Choose a sunny and sheltered position to bring out the sweet fragrance of the flowers. While it prefers full sun, it can cope with partial shade.
A large south or west-facing wall provides the perfect growing conditions. Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with well-rotted compost.
How Do I Support My Jasmine?
Install appropriate support such as trellis or wires attached to walls and fences before planting. The twining stems need something to climb on.
Regularly tie the shoots into their support as they grow to maintain neat coverage.
When Does Jasminum officinale Flower?
Expect fragrant white flowers from June through August. The sweetly scented blooms appear in clusters.
After flowering, small black berries may develop in autumn, adding extra interest.
How Do I Maintain This Climber?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove any dead or unsightly stems.
Regular maintenance keeps this vigorous climber under control and promotes better flowering.
Will It Work in Small Gardens?
Despite its vigorous nature, common jasmine suits small gardens when properly maintained. Train it up a trellis or wall to maximise vertical space.
It’s perfect for disguising an unsightly garden building or creating privacy.
What About Different Varieties?
Several varieties exist, including Jasminum officinale ‘Inverleith’, ‘Argenteovariegatum’ and ‘Aureum’. Each offers slightly different characteristics.
‘Argenteovariegatum’ features variegated green foliage, while ‘Affine’ has larger flowers.
How Fast Does It Grow?
Plants will usually establish quickly, especially when given proper support. Expect significant growth once plants are 2 years old.
The climbing habit means growth is primarily vertical, making it efficient for space use.
What About Winter Care?
As a deciduous climber, it loses its leaves in autumn. Protect young plants from harsh winds until established.
Apply mulch around the base in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Key Points to Remember:
- Provide strong support structure
- Flowers from June to August
- Sweetly scented white flowers
- Needs well-drained soil
- Regular pruning maintains shape
- Suitable for walls and fences
- Loses leaves in winter
- Various cultivars available
- Vigorous vertical growth
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Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on climbing plants for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Jasminum officinale and Clotted Cream Jasmine?
A: Jasminum officinale, also known as common jasmine, is a much-loved climber known for its fragrant white flowers in summer. Clotted Cream Jasmine, or Jasminum ‘Clotted Cream’, is a superior quality climber with beautiful yellow flowers that can add a lovely touch to your garden.
Q: Are Jasminum shrubs evergreen or deciduous?
A: Jasminum varieties can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the specific type and the climate. Most people love them for their ability to stay lush year-round, especially in milder regions.
Q: How do I prune my Jasminum plants?
A: Pruning is important to maintain the shape and health of your shrubs and climbers. It’s best to prune away any dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Just be gentle, as these plants can be a bit sensitive.
Q: What are the ideal conditions for planting Jasminum?
A: These beauties thrive in well-drained soil and prefer partial shade and colder positions. They’re great for covering a large south-facing wall or trellis, so pick your spot wisely!
Q: Where can I buy jasmine for my garden?
A: You can buy jasmine from various online retailers such as Swift Plants and Amazon or local garden centres. Look for mature options in a 3 litre pot for a good start.
Q: When should I expect flowers from my jasmine plants?
A: Jasminum officinale typically blooms in June, while Clotted Cream Jasmine will showcase its lovely yellow flowers at different times depending on the conditions. Just be patient, and you’ll be rewarded with fragrant blooms!
Q: What type of soil do Jasminum plants prefer?
A: They require free draining soil to thrive. If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider amending it or planting them in raised beds to ensure they get the drainage they need.
Q: Can I grow Jasminum in pots?
A: Absolutely! Jasminum plants can do well in pots, especially if you choose a good 3 litre pot and ensure it has proper drainage. Just remember to water them regularly and give them enough sunlight!