Jasmine is a flower that means beauty with resistance that has a certain symbolism, thanks to its pleasant fragrance and therapeutic properties, it is a piece that cannot be missing in our garden. In this article we will show its characteristics, basic care and the great variety of species, so that you can start the cultivation of this elegant plant right now.
Jasmine
Jasmine has very peculiar characteristics, among which is the pleasant aroma that emanates at night, hence it is popularly known by the names of queen of the night or moonlight. It is a plant cultivated since ancient times, with certain mystical powers as a source of inspiration for poets and painters. This plant is native to the Asian continent, Oceania, and a single class that originated on the European continent. It should be noted that there is a variety of 200 species in the world.
Features
Jasmine is a plant belonging to the genus Jasminum, family Oleaceae, climber type, perennial, easily adheres to dry trunks. It grows in the form of a thick bush, reaching an average height of 4 meters. The ideal climate for the development of this plant is warm. The leaves are oval in shape and bright green in color and appear opposite each other. As for the flower, they are normally presented in white and yellow tones, but there are occasions that can be found in red or pink. When found outdoors they can have branches that grow much larger than those found indoors. As for its aroma, it is released at sunset.
Care
Although Jasmine is not a plant that requires much care, here we present the basic care so that you can show off and enjoy these beautiful flowers both indoors and in the garden. They require moist soil with good drainage, so it is recommended to water daily and twice if possible in hot weather without reaching excesses to prevent the plant from rotting. The space allocated for the Jasmine must be used in a suitable pot so that its roots develop properly. Its location should be where it receives direct sunlight for at least 4 hours and with good air circulation.
Keep in mind that these flowers require total darkness to hide the are to stimulate the flowering process. It is advisable to use good compost and fertilizers rich in phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium, which can be placed every two weeks in spring time. This plant adapts easily to acid and alkaline soils. If you have love and apply these basic care, your plant will be able to bloom several times a year.
Multiplicity
The Jasmine plant is very easy to reproduce, either in pots or directly on the ground. The most ideal way is by cutting, which is obtained from the tip of the stems, at least 4 or 6 centimeters should be cut, it is recommended that the cut be made right where the petiole is, remove the rest of the leaves and leave only the first three, it is placed in the chosen place and gently pressed around it. It is ideal to line the pot with plastic so that it retains the necessary humidity. It can be left in direct light, it will take about 8 weeks to show roots. Do not forget that it requires at least one daily watering, since the substrate must remain moist.
Types of Jasmine
Jasmine has a wide variety of species, which develop as climbers and others as shrubs, coinciding only in flowering where it becomes a festival of color and fragrance. In this article we will present the most common, their characteristics and basic care. Read on and learn much more about this adorable and fragrant flower.
Jasminum Officinale or Common Jasmine
This class of Jasmine, is popularly known as white jasmine, is the most cultivated, has its origin in Asia, today it can be found in much of the world. It is a climber that can reach 6 meters in height. It is formed by bouquets of white flowers, with five petals each with lanceolate leaves and very perfumed. As for its maintenance, it is advisable to water it 1 or 2 times a week, prune it after the flowering phase, which will guarantee a robust plant with good flowers. It is used to decorate pergolas and walls. Medicinally it is used as an expectorant, sedative and astringent. In cosmetics for perfumes.
Solanum Jasminoides or False Jasmine
It is a type of climbing jasmine also known by the name of bridal veil. It is native to South America, it is presented as a climbing shrub. Its leaves are green, perennial type depending on the climate, because when the cold begins defoliation begins. The flowers can be white, bluish or lilac, with yellowish anthers. The stems can reach up to 5 meters, they require direct light for a few hours. It is capable of withstanding frosts of up to minus 4° and it multiplies by cutting.
Gardenia Jasminoide or Cape Jasmine
This species of Jasmine, also known as gardenia, is the most used for growing in pots, it is native to tropical and subtropical areas. Its oval leaves are perennial, green, lanceolate and opposite. As for its solitary or double flowers, they are creamy white with a pleasant fragrance and bloom twice a year. This species requires acidic and humid soils; planting in calcareous or saline soils should be avoided. Irrigation should be 4 to 5 days per week in summer time and only once during winter. Requires good indirect lighting. It should be paid 2 to 3 times a year with iron chelate.
Trachelospermum Jasminoides or Starry Jasmine
This Jasmine is known as milk jasmine, false jasmine, star jasmine. It is native to Japan and China. It is among the most beautiful, due to its shiny green leathery leaves with bushy foliage, its flowers are very small, white and with a pleasant perfume. They are born in terminal cymes in a grouped way. Its stems are woody type of orderly growth. It requires abundant light, is highly resistant to extreme temperatures. Its irrigation must be done weekly if it is planted in the garden according to the ambient temperature, taking care of the humidity without reaching the flooding. But if it is in a pot, it should be done between 4 and 5 days a week.
Jasminum Azoricum or Jasmine of the Azores
It is a vine, with dark green evergreen leaves. This Jasmine has a white star-shaped bloom with a pleasant aroma, they are ideal for showing off on balconies or gardens. They require direct sunlight but very few hours, so a well-lit place is recommended, but without so much incidence. It is not frost resistant. Watering should be done twice a week during the summer and once a week during the winter. It is advisable to place guides for its growth and achieve the desired effect.
Jasminum Nudiflorum or Yellow Jasmine
This beautiful Jasmine known by the names of winter jasmine, San José jasmine or yellow jasmine is from Tibet, its small flowers are made up of six yellow petals, its leaves are pinnate with a dark green tone that sprout in the opposite way. This species, unlike the rest, does not emanate an odour. Its irrigation should be occasional with plenty of water, so it needs good drainage. Avoid wetting the leaves and flowers in the process and requires good light. The subscriber has to be done in winter and spring with organic fertilizer. It is advisable to prune it after each flowering in this way you stimulate the plant and it becomes stronger.
Jasminum Grandiflorum or Royal Jasmine
This is the most popular Jasmine, also known as Royal Jasmine, it is native to northeast Africa and southern Arabia. It is a shrubby plant with opposite, perennial, ovate-shaped leaves. Its flowers are white with a delicious perfume. Flowering is continuous, but it should be noted that they do not last long. It requires abundant light, but indirectly, its ideal top is temperate-warm. As for watering, it should be moderate, this plant is able to resist drought (not recommended) with good drainage. The soil must be well fertilized with organic matter and must have supports to develop.
Jasmine Polyanthum or Chinese or Climbing Jasmine
This climbing type Jasmine can reach heights of up to 5 meters. Its leaves, like other species, can be perennial or deciduous depending on the climate where it is found, they are dark green and are born in the opposite way. Regarding its flowering, they appear white inside and pink-purple outside, they have a pleasant aroma. The ideal climate is warm but does not resist strong winds. As for the substrate, it must be rich in humus. Watering should be on a regular basis. Pruning is necessary to clean of dry or crossed branches, withered or diseased leaves.
Stephanotis Floribunda or Madagascar Jasmine
This is a kind of vine Jasmine that differs from the rest thanks to its morphology. Its leathery, long and wide opposite leaves are green. As for the flower, it comes in small bouquets, they are white, highly scented and larger than the rest of the jasmines, with a slight bell shape, they are durable depending on the climate and care. It is recommended to plant it indoors because it is not very resistant to climate change, its ideal room temperature ranges between 18° and 30°. It requires good lighting, but not directly. It needs moist soil and constant spraying. The fertilizer should be done once a month while the plant is at rest.
Uses
Jasmine is of great importance in cosmetics, for the production of perfumes, skin care creams, essential oils and hair care. Regarding its medicinal use, jasmine is used in tea thanks to its properties with calming, anthelmintic, fungicidal and antibacterial action. The mere presence of these flowers can reduce stress, which is why they call it an office plant.
Watch the following video and learn more about the adorable Jasmine.
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