Yellow Jasmine Jasminum odoratissimum
ABOUT
Jasminum odoratissimum, commonly known as Yellow Jasmine, is an ornamental plant renowned for its striking and fragrant yellow flowers. The plant features an evergreen shrub appearance with dark green, glossy oval-shaped leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its radiant blooms. The Yellow Jasmine's flowers, which are typically brighter at the center and may fade to a paler yellow toward the petals' edges, emit a strong, sweet scent that is most potent during the evening. This plant tends to have a bushy growth habit and can develop into a well-structured shrub with regular pruning. The flowers are tubular in shape with prominent flaring lobes, which give them a star-like appearance when viewed from above. Flowering typically occurs in clusters, where the blooms are displayed in all their splendor, harmoniously contrasted against the dense foliage. The leaves may grow opposite each other along the stems, giving the plant a full and balanced look. The Yellow Jasmine exhibits a delicate and inviting aesthetic, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes where visual appeal and fragrance are desired.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Oleaceae
Synonyms
Yellow Jasmine, Yellow Jessamine, Spanish Jasmine
Common names
Jasminum floribundum, Jasminum odoratissimum var. floribundum, Jasminum odoratissimum subsp. floribundum.
- Toxicity
To humans
Yellow jasmine (Jasminum odoratissimum) is generally not considered to be toxic to humans. There is limited information on the toxicity of this specific species, but most jasmine species are not known to cause harm when touched or ingested in small quantities. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and not consume parts of ornamental plants as they are not intended for human consumption, and individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Yellow jasmine (Jasminum odoratissimum) is not commonly listed as toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. However, as with humans, there is limited information available on the toxicity of this specific jasmine species to pets. Since many plants can cause gastrointestinal upset or other issues when ingested, it is best to prevent pets from consuming this plant. If a pet consumes a significant quantity of yellow jasmine, it's wise to monitor for any signs of illness and consult a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Madeira Canary Islands
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Jasminum odoratissimum, commonly known as Yellow Jasmine, offers a visually attractive presence in gardens due to its vibrant yellow flowers.
- Fragrance: The sweet and pleasant fragrance of Yellow Jasmine flowers can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or indoor space.
- Attracts Wildlife: Yellow Jasmine flowers provide nectar to various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Shade Provision: As a climbing plant, Yellow Jasmine can be grown over arbors or trellises, providing shade and coolness in garden areas.
- Privacy: When grown densely, Yellow Jasmine can serve as a natural privacy screen for gardens and outdoor living spaces.
- Cultural Significance: Yellow Jasmine holds cultural importance in some regions, often symbolizing purity, simplicity, and warmth.
- Landscape Versatility: Yellow Jasmine can be employed in different landscaping designs, from trellises and fences to ground covers and potted plants.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Perfume Making: Yellow jasmine's intensely fragrant flowers can be used as a natural fragrance source or in the production of essential oils for perfumery.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of yellow jasmine is said to have calming effects and can be used in aromatherapy blends to promote relaxation.
- Culinary Flavoring: Although not commonly used, the flowers can be added to sweets or drinks for a subtle, exotic flavor; consumption should be approached with caution due to potential toxicity of other jasmine species.
- Sachets and Potpourri: Dried yellow jasmine flowers can be included in sachets and potpourri mixes to impart a long-lasting aroma to linens and rooms.
- Cultural Festivities: In some cultures, the flowers may be used for decorative purposes in festivals, weddings, or religious ceremonies.
- Gardening and Landscaping: Due to its attractive scent and appearance, yellow jasmine is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and for landscaping purposes.
- Natural Dye: The flowers, although not a common source, could potentially be used to create a natural yellow dye for fabrics.
- Photography and Art: The striking appearance of yellow jasmine makes it a popular subject for photographers and artists, and it is often depicted in botanical illustrations.
- Education and Research: Yellow jasmine can be studied in educational institutions for research purposes related to horticulture, plant biology, and breeding.
- Symbolism and Literature: The flower's exquisite fragrance and appearance make it a symbol of love and sensuality in poetry and literature.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Yellow Jasmine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Yellow Jasmine is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: Jasmine, including Jasminum odoratissimum, often symbolizes love due to its intoxicating fragrance that is commonly associated with romantic feelings.
- Sensuality: The sensual and rich scent of jasmine is frequently related to sensuality and intimacy, making it a symbol of passion and eroticism.
- Purity: The white color of Jasminum odoratissimum flowers can represent purity and innocence, a common interpretation in many cultures.
- Beauty: Jasmines are known for their striking beauty, and the delicate blooms of Jasminum odoratissimum are no exception, symbolizing grace and elegance.
- Hospitality: In some traditions, the jasmine flower is a symbol of hospitality, welcoming and kindness, often used to decorate for guests.
- Water
The Yellow Jasmine (Jasminum odoratissimum) prefers consistent moisture and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering once every week, although the frequency may increase to twice per week during hot, dry periods. Each watering should provide enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly, which might mean using about 1 to 1.5 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the pot. It’s essential to avoid waterlogging, so ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
- Light
Yellow Jasmine thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade. It is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive morning sunlight and then be shaded from the harsh afternoon rays. A spot near a window with filtered light or a shaded area in a garden that still receives good light is ideal for maintaining the plant's health and encouraging blooming.
- Temperature
Yellow Jasmine prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures no lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure the plant thrives, it should be protected from temperatures below this threshold range and from frost, which can cause damage.
- Pruning
Pruning Yellow Jasmine helps maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased portions. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually, or as needed, to control the plant's size and remove any spent flowers or overgrown branches to stimulate healthy growth for the following season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Yellow Jasmine prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal.
- Repotting
Yellow Jasmine should be repotted once every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow room for root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Yellow Jasmine thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-50%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds and frost.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
- Life cycle
Jasminum odoratissimum, also known as Yellow Jasmine, begins its life cycle as a seed. Upon germination in favorable conditions, which include well-draining soil and some sunlight, it develops into a seedling. As it grows, the plant enters the vegetative stage, where it produces leaves and stems, gradually maturing into a woody shrub. The Yellow Jasmine reaches the flowering stage once mature, producing fragrant yellow flowers, typically during spring and summer. After pollination, possibly by insects attracted by its scent, it sets fruit in the form of berries that contain seeds, completing the cycle. These seeds, once dispersed, can give rise to new plants, perpetuating the species.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Canary Island Jasmine, or Jasminum odoratissimum, the most popular method of propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This is generally done in the late summer. Cuttings are taken from the current year's growth where the wood has started to harden. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with leaves removed from the lower half. These are then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and placed in a well-draining potting mix. Adequate humidity and warmth are essential for rooting, so placing the potted cuttings inside a plastic bag or under a plastic dome can create a greenhouse effect. Cuttings often root in four to eight weeks, after which they can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.