Jasmine
Jasmines, also called Jessamine, are beloved for their fragrant flowers and shiny foliage, making them a delight both in bloom and out.
Many indoor varieties produce white to yellow flowers that are most fragrant at night. Most are twining plants, so they benefit from staking and occasional pinching to encourage fullness.
Types of Indoor Jasmine
Jasmine comes from different plant families:
- True Jasmines are in the Olive family
- Others belong to the Dogbane or Nightshade families
- Flowering seasons vary, but winter and early spring bloomers are the most popular
Popular Jasmine Varieties
1. Jasmine polyanthus (Winter Jasmine)
- Blooms in late winter to spring
- Produces dozens of scented white star-shaped flowers, even on small plants
- Often grown on hoops or as wreaths
- Prefers cooler nights (40–50°F) to stimulate flowering
2. Jasmine Sambac – Maid of Orleans
- Produces creamy white flowers that fade to purple
- Blooms intermittently year-round
- Shrubby growth, requiring pruning to shape and encourage fullness
- Prefers warmer nights (60–65°F) and daytime highs up to 80°F
3. Jasmine Lakeview
- Bears clusters of fragrant white flowers
- Blooms intermittently throughout the year
- Best to leave spent flowers until brown to encourage rebloom
- Thrives in warm temperatures
4. Jasmine Madagascar – Stephanotis
- Summer flowering, highly scented waxy white flowers
- Often used in bridal bouquets
- Needs bright light to filtered sunlight, with up to 4 hours of direct sunlight in winter
- Blooms most of the year with enough light
- Requires cool nighttime temperatures (~55°F) to set buds
- Pinch back stems for better form and provide support for climbing vines
- Reduce water and fertilizer in winter for a rest period
General Care Tips
Light:
- All jasmines need 4+ hours of direct sunlight or filtered light
Humidity:
- To increase humidity, place the pot on a tray of stones with water, ensuring the bottom doesn’t sit in water
Watering:
- Keep soil moist during the growing season
- Water thoroughly, but allow slight drying between waterings in winter
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize mostly spring through fall
- Use balanced fertilizers like 20-20-20, Bud and Bloom or acid-based fertilizer
Summary
Indoor jasmines are fragrant, beautiful and versatile, perfect for bright windows or sunny indoor spots. With the right light, humidity and occasional pruning, your jasmine will reward you with long-lasting blooms and aromatic foliage throughout the year.