Jasmine in the Garden and in Your Cup

In short: Jasmine (Jasminum) needs plenty of light, ideally 4 to 6 hours of direct sun a day. Most species are not frost hardy and overwinter in a cool, bright room at roughly 8 to 15 °C, while winter jasmine tolerates down to -15 °C. Feed during the April to August growth period and repot young plants each March.

Jasmines are an ornament to any garden. They are most beautiful in spring, when they are covered in a floral robe and emit the wonderful fragrance typical of jasmine. It's no wonder that jasmine flowers are often the main ingredient in perfumes.

Jasmines are undemanding, suitable for almost all conditions. They grow even in "poor" soil, they don't mind ordinary garden soil or sandy soil.

The only thing jasmines absolutely need to grow is plenty of light. You can only grow beautiful jasmine in a sunny location.

Jasmine (lat. Jasminum officinale) is a fast-growing vine from the olive family (lat. Oleaceae). The original homeland of jasmine is China, India and Sri Lanka.

There are several species of jasmine, some are suitable for growing in the garden, while others can be grown in our climatic conditions, at least during winter, only indoors.

Representatives of "outdoor" jasmines include, for example, shrubby jasmine (lat. Jasminum fruticans), which is also known as bush jasmine.

It is a semi-deciduous or evergreen shrub whose original homeland is southern Europe. Shrubby jasmine grows to a height of approximately 1.5 - 2 meters. The individual branches are arranged in a broom-like pattern.

This shrub blooms from May to June. The flowers are yellow and grow in inflorescences grouping up to 5 flowers.

Pink jasmine (lat. Jasminum beesianum) has pink flowers. It is an ornamental, fast-growing shrub that can tolerate even mild frost. In heavier frosts, it is necessary to protect the jasmine.

Pink jasmine likes bright locations, but better slightly shaded. Planting jasmine next to garden houses or pergolas has proven successful, as they provide the necessary support, shade and protection from winter.

"True" jasmine (lat. Jasminum officinale) can be recognized by its snow-white flowers growing from pink buds. True jasmine flowers are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Growing True Jasmine in a Pot

Growing true jasmine is not particularly demanding. During the summer period, jasmine thrives when grown outdoors. Jasmine loves sun, but overly intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, so shade the plant during midday or place it in a location where the sun is less harsh.

Even in winter, jasmine needs plenty of light; an east or south-facing window is ideal, and the temperature can be considerably lower, even around 8 - 9 °C without any problems.

During the growing season, especially in spring and summer, jasmine needs plenty of moisture. The soil should be constantly moist, but not overly wet. Waterlogging could lead to root rot.

Excessive drying of the root ball can also damage the plant. Be especially careful about drying out in winter, when the plant doesn't need as much moisture, which can lead to neglecting timely watering.

The ideal water for watering is boiled rainwater, preferably lukewarm.

Add fertiliser to the water approximately once a week during the active growth period (i.e. from April to August). A fertiliser for flowering houseplants is suitable.

For optimal growth, it's good to repot jasmine plants regularly. Repot young jasmine plants every year in March; older plants only need repotting every two to three years.

The pests most commonly found on jasmine are aphids and spider mites. If you detect these insects, treat the plants with a product against sucking and chewing insects.

Beneficial Effects of Jasmine

The beneficial effects of jasmine on the human body have been known for a long time. In traditional Chinese medicine, jasmine flowers have been used for medicinal purposes since the days of Ancient China. Modern medicine has not yet succumbed to the charm of jasmine to any great extent.

Jasmine flowers are occasionally added to cough syrups and tea made from the leaves is used externally to treat eye injuries. On the other hand, you can encounter jasmine in abundance in aromatherapy or in expensive French perfumes, where it is often the main ingredient.

If you don't have enough money for expensive French perfumes, at least fragrance your home with a jasmine-scented candle.

Not only the scent of flowers has beneficial effects on the human body. Jasmine infusion has very positive effects on the human nervous system. A bath with added jasmine can help the body get rid of restlessness, removes anxiety and tension.

People suffering from limb cramps can also use it to improve their condition. In this case, regular baths have also proven effective. Tea with added jasmine flowers is considered a legendary longevity remedy.

Prepare the tea from green tea leaves and jasmine flowers. Tea prepared this way has a sweetish taste. Jasmine tea has relaxing effects, helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Other Uses of Jasmine

The cosmetics industry uses jasmine oils as an ingredient in products designed for dry skin. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses jasmine flowers for their antibacterial effects. The aphrodisiac effects of jasmine flowers should not be overlooked either.

Treat your friends to moments scented with jasmine too, share this article with them!

Written by Lenka.Z