How to Grow Crape Jasmine - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Crape jasmine is a flowering plant that is indigenous to Asia. It is called by various names such as Chinese jasmine, jasmine, and false jasmine. The plant has white flowers that bloom in clusters and have a sweet fragrance. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and homes.

How to Grow Crape Jasmine - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Star jasmine
  • Confederate jasmine
  • Jasmine sambac
  • Grand duke of Tuscany jasmine
  • Italian jasmine

Basic info

  • Crape jasmine is a popular ornamental plant in many gardens.
  • It is originally from China.
  • The plant can grow to a height of 10 feet.
  • The flowers are white and have a very strong fragrance.
  • The plant blooms in the spring and summer.
  • The flowers can be used to make jasmine tea.
  • The plant is poisonous to cats and dogs.
  • The plant can cause skin irritation in humans.
  • The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Crape jasmine is the national flower of Pakistan.

How to Grow

  1. For crape jasmine, first step is to purchase a plant from any nursery or garden center.
  2. You need to prepare a pot or container with well-drained soil mix.
  3. You should plant the crape jasmine in spring or fall.
  4. Place the pot in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  5. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  6. Apply a Balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  7. Prune the plant as needed to shape and encourage new growth.
  8. The crape jasmine will bloom in spring and summer.
  9. Deadhead the spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your crape jasmine all season long!

Related plant:
Muskogee Crape Myrtle

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Crape jasmine (Jasminum sambac) prefers well-drained, fertile soils with plenty of organic matter, and a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It's also important that the soil not be too wet or too dry.

About light

Just like other jasmine plants, the Crape Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) also requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. If you live in an area with hot summers, this plant will appreciate some afternoon shade. It's important to make sure that the plant doesn't get too much shade, though, as this can cause the flowers to fail to open properly. The Crape Jasmine is a very drought-tolerant plant, so it doesn't need a lot of water. In fact, too much water can actually be harmful to the plant.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most suitable for growing a Crape Jasmine plant is warm weather. The plant does not tolerate frost and cold temperatures very well. If the temperature drops below freezing, the plant will likely die. If you live in an area with cold winters, it is best to grow the Crape Jasmine plant indoors or in a greenhouse.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. The plant can tolerate slightly higher or lower humidity levels but this is the range in which it will thrive. If the humidity drops too low, the leaves will start to brown and curl. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this plant prefers an organic fertilizer such as manure or compost. However, you can also use a slow-release fertilizer. For the roots, it is important to make sure the plant is in well-draining soil. If the roots are sitting in water, they will rot.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy crape jasmine plant. By removing dead or dying branches, you encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming overgrown. Additionally, pruning helps to shape the plant and keep it looking its best.

About Propagating

Propagation of crape jasmine is quite easy, and can be done through stem cuttings or by dividing the rootball. For stem cuttings, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy, new growth shoot, and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant in moistened potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, brightly lit spot, and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The cutting should root within 6-8 weeks. To divide the rootball, carefully dig up the entire plant, and then use a sharp knife to divide the roots into 2-3 sections. Replant the divisions immediately, and water well.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer months. during these months the plant grows rapidly, adding new leaves and stems. the plant's growth rate will slow down during the fall and winter.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are scale, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the plant is affected by any of these pests, it is important to take action immediately to prevent further damage.

Basics of Growing

  • If growing crape jasmine (Jasminum spp.) from seed, sow the seeds in spring in a sunny location.
  • Choose a well-drained spot in your garden for planting.
  • Work some organic matter into the soil before planting.
  • Space plants about 2 feet apart.
  • Water regularly during the first growing season to keep the soil moist.
  • After the first year, crape jasmine is relatively drought tolerant.
  • Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune annually after flowering to keep the plant compact and encourage new growth.
  • Crape jasmine is generally pest and disease free.
  • Enjoy the sweet fragrance of the flowers in late spring and early summer!

Substitution

  • American jasmine (trachelospermum jasminoides)
  • Beach jasmine (jasminum humifusum)
  • Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
  • Bitterweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
  • Blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis)
  • Blackberry nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
  • Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
  • Bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii)
  • Buttonweed (Diodia virginiana)
  • Carolina jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

Source:
Crape Jasmine - scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu
ScholarSpace at University of Hawaii at Manoa: Crape Jasmine
Tabernaemontana divaricata Crepe Jasmine, Pinwheel Flower

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category