Crepe jasmine is an evergreen climbing shrub that is native to China. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has dark green leaves. The flowers are white and have a crepe-like appearance. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Related plant:
Crepe Myrtle Bush
About soil condition, crepe jasmine (botanical name: Tabernaemontana divaricata) like well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, and prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.0 to 7.5). They are not fond of soggy or waterlogged soil. If the soil is too heavy, it will result in the plant's roots being unable to breath, which will eventually lead to the death of the plant. The ideal soil condition for crepe jasmine is one that is lightly moist but not soggy.
So, like the other jasmine plants, crepe jasmine (Jasminum spp.) require full sun to partial shade to thrive. In fact, they actually prefer a bit of afternoon shade in hot summer climates. When growing crepe jasmine, plant them in an area of your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you live in a hot climate, afternoon shade will help protect the plant from the harsh afternoon sun and prevent the leaves from scorching.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of crepe jasmine is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does best in bright, indirect sunlight and soil that is evenly moist but well-drained. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may suffer from leaf drop. If the temperature gets too hot, above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may experience wilting.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.
The fertilizer, this family of plant needs, is a low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium blend. Apply it when the plant is actively growing in the spring and summer. The best way to apply the fertilizer is to mix it into the soil around the base of the plant. Be sure to water the fertilizer in well.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your crepe jasmine healthy and looking its best. Pruning not only helps to control the size and shape of the plant, but can also promote new growth and help to keep the plant disease-free. When pruning crepe jasmine, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make cuts just above a leaf node, and avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's total growth.
Propagation is by seed, stem cuttings, or layering. Seed can be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before last expected frost. Sow seed on the surface of a moist, peaty seed-starting mix. Press the seeds into the mix but do not cover as light is required for germination. Keep the seed-starting mix moist but not wet and at a temperature of 68-75°F until germination, which should occur within 14-21 days. Cuttings can be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Fill a 4-inch pot with a moist, peaty mix and insert the cutting. You can dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone to encourage root formation, but this is not necessary. Place the pot in a warm area out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not wet. New roots should form within 4-8 weeks. Layering is best done in late spring or early summer. Choose a stem that is flexible and has fresh, green growth. Gently bend the stem and bury the entire bent section in the moist, peaty soil mix. Weight the stem down with a stone or piece of pottery to keep it in place. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in a few weeks, roots will form. Once roots have formed, sever the stem from the parent plant and pot it up.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 1 and 2 feet per year, with a maximum of around 3 feet. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, although it is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. Although it is not drought-tolerant, once established the plant has moderate drought tolerance.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and black spot. These can all be controlled with fungicides. If you see any of these problems, be sure to treat the plant immediately.
Source:
Crape Jasmine - scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu
ScholarSpace at University of Hawaii at Manoa: Crape Jasmine
Mai V?n Phúc (Crepe Jasmine) - Genesis School Hanoi
