Jasminum grandiflorum is a deciduous shrub and a species of jasmine belonging to the genus Jasminum and Oleaceae or the olive family.
It’s closely related to other cultivated genera under the family Oleaceae, including Abeliophyllum, Forsythia, Nyctanthes, Osmarea, Parasyringa, and Privet, among others.
The genus’ Jasminum’ derives from the Latinized form of the Persian word ‘Yasmin,’ which means perfumed or sweetly scented plants.
The specific epithet grandiflorum originated from the Latin term that means large, showy flowers.
This evergreen scandent shrub is native to South Asia, East, and Northeast Africa, the Arabian peninsula, and regions of China.
It’s also widely cultivated in Central America, Guinea, the Caribbean, and the Maldive Islands.
Jasminum grandiflorum is well-known worldwide for its fragrant white flowers borne in clusters with pinkish-tinged buds held on glossy-green stems.
Other common names of this jasmine species include:
- Spanish jasmine
- Royal jasmine
- Catalan jasmine
- Catalonian jasmine
Jasminum grandiflorum is commonly confused with Jasminum officinale, also known as common jasmine. However, they are different.
Quick Tips On Jasminum Grandiflorum
- Family: Oleaceae
- Light: Direct sunlight or partial shade
- Temperature: 60° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water frequently during the growing season
- Fertilizer: Nitrogenous water-soluble fertilizer
- Propagation: Cuttings
- Common Problems: Fusarium wilt, blight, rust, aphids
Jasminum Grandiflorum Care
Jasminum Grandiflorum is an easy-to-grow twining climber.
Here are the steps to consider when growing Spanish Jasmine.
How Big Does The Spanish Jasmine Grow?
Jasminum Grandiflorum is a scrambling deciduous shrub, often growing 6′ feet to 13′ feet tall.
However, some may reach 15′ to 25′ feet tall with an ultimate spread of 8′ to 13′ feet wide.
Spanish jasmine grows slowly, reaching its maturity from 5 to 10 years.
When Does The Spanish Jasmine Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Jasminum grandiflorum is a deciduous woody shrub with vine-like branches and long, twining stems.
This jasmine species is prized for its noteworthy white flowers borne in clusters with pink-tinged flower buds.
The flowers are held on glossy-green stems with thin branches sprouting small, ovate leaves.
The flowers of Spanish jasmine typically bloom from summer to autumn (May to November), opening early in the morning.
They produce a sweet fragrant smell that is commonly used as perfume worldwide.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
When grown outdoors, Jasminum grandiflorum prefers direct sunlight with exposure for 4 to 5 hours a day.
However, it can also grow well in partial shade locations, especially in hot summer climates with dry air.
Providing adequate shading in the hottest afternoon helps provide the best-looking foliage.
If grown as a houseplant indoors, Spanish Jasmine needs plenty of natural direct sunlight. So it’s best to place it near a south-facing or west-facing window.
Remember to keep temperatures between 60° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit for Spanish Jasmine to thrive.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Spanish Jasmine?
Jasminum grandiflorum needs regular watering during its active growing season to encourage fast growth.
You can touch the soil surface to determine if the soil is dry, dipping it about 1/2 inch of your fingertips.
If it’s dry, add about 1′ to 2″ inches of water. Remember, Spanish jasmine will underperform when in drought.
However, don’t overwater it, as it may cause root rot. During winter, water your Spanish plants once every few weeks.
For fertilizer application, feed your Jasminum grandiflorum with water-soluble nitrogenous fertilizer when it’s actively growing in spring and summer.
The Royal Horticultural Society recommends feeding your container-grown Spanish jasmine plants with a potassium-rich water-soluble fertilizer.
What Is The Best Soil For Jasminum Grandiflorum, And When Should You Transplant?
Jasminum grandiflorum thrives in moist, well-drained fertile soil.
If your soil has poor drainage, you can add river sand to make it free-draining to prevent root rot.
Adding cow manure or compost also helps make the soil nutrition rich.
When repotting, transplant your Spanish Jasmine in the early spring or after it finishes flowering.
Avoid transplanting your plant during its active growing season or in the winter.
Does Jasminum Grandiflorum Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
After flowering, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems from your Jasminum grandiflorum.
To allow new growth, you can also prune your Spanish jasmine, about two third of each branch, in late summer or early fall
You can also pinch dead flowers during its active growing season to encourage new growth.
If you’re planting a jasmine twining variety and want it to climb, a fence or trellis will work as a support structure.
How To Propagate Spanish Jasmine?
Spanish jasmine can be propagated through stem cuttings. Remember that it’s best to do this in spring to give the plant time to recover in warmer months.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, cut a thin stem, about 3″ to 4″ inches long and just below a node.
- Next, dip the cutting’s end into a rooting hormone before putting it in a small pot with a propagating soil mix.
- Finally, cover it with a plastic or polythene bag to lock in moisture and place it in a bright warm area with shade.
You will see cuttings taking root in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Jasminum Grandiflorum Pests And Diseases
Jasminum Grandiflorum is typically pest and problem-free. However, it can be an occasional target of aphids or spider mites, especially with inadequate lighting.
Aside from pest infestation, Spanish jasmine may be subjected to diseases, including:
- Fusarium wilt
- Blight
- Rust
- Other fungus diseases
To treat these problems, use fungicide, insecticide, or neem spray regularly.
Uses Of Royal Jasmine
Royal jasmine is a lovely twining vine that can be an excellent choice for houseplants.
It can be grown in a pot or hanging baskets and trained to climb fences or trellis.
Jasminum grandiflorum produces fragrant white flowers, making it a great plant for walkways, patios, or gardens, perfuming the space with its lovely scent.
The flower’s fragrance is also commonly used worldwide as perfume when the essential oil is extracted from them.
Different parts of Royal jasmine can also be used for various purposes.
The leaves are widely used in India as herbal medicine, while the flowers are used to decorate women’s hair.
In addition, flowers are also a popular tea flavor in Indonesia and China.