How do I Care for & Water an Arabian Jasmine Plant?

The Arabian jasmine plant is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 11. They are the more common variety of jasmine plant for making teas. Despite the name the plant actually originates from India and China. The Arabian jasmine is further divided into four sub-varieties; the Maid of Orleans, Belle of India and Grand Duke. They can be pruned to develop into a vine, shrub or ground cover. They have the potential of growing up to 10 feet high making then an ideal plant for hedges. Their individual flowers are not as fragrant as other jasmine plants. However, the plant does produce a large amount of flowers in a small area that makes up for it, producing a stronger sent when they all bloom together.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Acidic soil
• Water
• Fertilizer
• Plant support (optional)
• Cutting shears

Planting and Maintenance

1. 

   Frost protection will be required if temperatures reach bellow 40 degrees F.

   Use acidic soil to plant the Arabian Jasmine in which can be in either a pot or replace part of the dirt outside with acidic soil around when planting outside. Acidic soil is potting soil with added fertilizers and chemicals to promote growth.

2. 

   Make sure that the soil is well drained and doesn’t puddle when watering.

   Plant or place the pot of jasmine in an area where it can get full sun. It can grow in partial shade but if it does not receive enough sunlight it can effect flower production. Young seedlings will require some protection from the sun on hot days, mature plants are more heat tolerant.

3. 

   Over-watering can cause the flowers to open prematurely.

   Water the plant until the soil is damp but avoid over watering to the point the soil becomes soggy. To keep the soil moist water every few days as needed. Don’t water midday in direct sunlight as this can bleach the leaves and can cause evaporation of minerals in the soil. During especially hot and dry days the plant will require more water.

4. 

   The Grand Duke of Tuscany variety of Arabian Jasmine produces flowers that resemble small roses.

   Place fertilizer at the base of the plant once a month. All purpose fertilizer can be used instead of special plant specific versions. Organic fertilizer can also be used.

5. 

   Tie the branches to the support before it blooms to prevent it from sagging.

   Place a vertical plant stand for the plant to help it grow up if you want to shape it into a vine or a shrub. No support will be needed if the plant is being used as a ground cover.

6. 

   A single Arabian jasmine plant can grow to 30 feet wide.

   Prune the branches with sharp pruning shears at least yearly to prevent it from overgrowing. The Arabian jasmine plant grows in spurts and may require pruning more than once a year in warm climates that don’t experience any frost.