Jasmine Jasminum officinale 'Devon Cream' (PBR)
ABOUT
Jasminum officinale 'Devon Cream', commonly known as common jasmine or poet's jasmine, is known for its rich and creamy white flowers. The blossoms are typically larger than those of other jasmine varieties and possess a captivating, intense fragrance that perfumes the air, especially in the evenings or at night. The flowers are star-shaped with delicate, velvety petals that contrast beautifully against the plant's dense, dark green foliage. The foliage of common jasmine 'Devon Cream' consists of pinnate leaves, which are compound leaves with multiple leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis. These leaves present a lush backdrop for the pristine blooms, highlighting their beauty. The plant tends to have a sprawling, twining habit, often benefiting from support structures such as trellises or fences, which it can climb to showcase its full floral display. Common jasmine is a vigorous grower and, under the right conditions, can produce a profusion of flowers throughout its blooming season, creating a visual and olfactory centerpiece in gardens or outdoor areas. Its romantic and elegant appearance, combined with its enchanting scent, makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of serenity and charm to their landscape.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Oleaceae.
Synonyms
Devon Cream Jasmine, Cream Jasmine, Fragrant Jasmine, Poet's Jasmine.
Common names
Jasminum officinale 'Devon Cream' (PBR)
- Toxicity
To humans
Common jasmine is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, some people might experience mild irritation if they have sensitive skin or an allergy to the plant. Ingesting any part of the common jasmine is not known to cause serious poisoning or toxic symptoms in humans. As with any non-food plant, it is not advisable to eat this plant, and doing so could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other non-specific symptoms due to compounds in the plant that are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Common jasmine is generally not considered toxic to pets. However, as with humans, some animals can show mild signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea if they ingest parts of the plant, particularly in large amounts. It is always best to prevent pets from chewing on non-food plants to avoid potential irritation or upset stomachs. If a pet were to consume a significant quantity of common jasmine, it is advisable to monitor them and consult with a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms develop.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Caucasus Western China
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Fragrant Flowers: Jasminum officinale 'Devon Cream' produces highly fragrant blossoms that can add a delightful scent to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Attractive to Wildlife: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its creamy white flowers and lush green foliage, it provides visual interest and enhances the beauty of landscaping.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being relatively low-maintenance and easy to cultivate in a variety of climates.
- Versatile Usage: It can be used for a range of landscaping purposes, including as a climbing plant on trellises, walls, or fences.
- Long Blooming Period: It offers a prolonged blooming season, from early summer to early fall, depending on the climate.
- Tolerates Poor Soil: The plant can thrive in less than ideal soil conditions, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Evergreen or Semi-Evergreen: In milder climates, the plant can retain its leaves throughout the year, providing continuous greenery.
- 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
- Culinary Garnish: The fragrant flowers of the Jasmine can be used to decorate desserts and cakes, adding a subtle, sweet fragrance to culinary creations.
- Scented Sachets: Dried Jasmine flowers can be placed in sachets to impart a pleasant aroma to drawers, wardrobes, and linen closets.
- Homemade Perfume: Jasmine flowers can be infused in oil to create homemade, natural perfumes with a delicate, floral scent.
- Natural Dye: The flowers can provide a natural dye for fabrics, offering a soft, earthy tone when used in the dyeing process.
- Flower Arrangements: Jasmine vines and flowers can be used in fresh floral arrangements to add beauty and fragrance to bouquets.
- Relaxing Bath Additive: Fresh or dried Jasmine flowers can be added to bathwater for a luxurious and aromatic bathing experience.
- Botanical Art: Jasmine flowers and leaves can be pressed and used in botanical art projects such as herbarium sheets or plant-based artwork.
- Candle Making: The scent of Jasmine flowers can be extracted and used in making scented candles to create a calming atmosphere in the home.
- Wedding Decor: Due to its beautiful flowers and pleasant scent, Jasmine can be included in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, or as a natural decoration for ceremonies.
- Aromatherapy: Jasmine flower extracts can be used in aromatherapy products to help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Jasmine is often used in Feng Shui for its sweet fragrance and its white blossoms, which are associated with purity and love. It can be positioned in the relationship area of the home or garden to enhance romance and intimacy, or in any living space to create a calming and positive energy, which promotes harmony and tranquility.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Jasmine is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: Jasmine flowers are often associated with love and sensuality due to their intoxicating fragrance which is believed to help create a romantic atmosphere.
- Purity: The white flowers of the Jasmine plant symbolize purity and innocence, making them a popular choice in wedding bouquets and ceremonies.
- Beauty: Jasmine is known for its beautiful, star-shaped flowers and is commonly used to represent beauty in various cultures.
- Femininity: The delicate and sweet scent of Jasmine has led to its association with feminine qualities and is often used in perfumes for women.
- Night: Since many species of Jasmine, including 'Devon Cream', bloom at night, the plant is often linked with the mysteries and tranquility of the evening.
- Water
Common Jasmine, or Jasminum officinale 'Devon Cream,' prefers moist but well-drained soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing it with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time. Ensure the soil is dry to the touch at the top inch before watering again to prevent overwatering. During winter, reduce the watering frequency to every other week, adjusting as necessary for your climate and indoor conditions. Always use room temperature water and avoid letting the plant sit in water as it can lead to root rot.
- Light
Common Jasmine thrives in a spot with bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning. The best location would be a south-facing window with some light shade or a west or east-facing window where the light is softer. Avoid placing it in full, harsh afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves, and similarly, avoid deep shade which can hinder flowering.
- Temperature
Common Jasmine is comfortable in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F, though it can survive brief periods of temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 80°F. To encourage flowering, cooler temperatures of around 60°F to 65°F are ideal during the night. Protect the plant from sudden temperature drops and avoid placing it near drafts or heat sources that could cause fluctuations.
- Pruning
Prune Common Jasmine after it flowers to maintain its shape and encourage more robust growth. Cut back the stems that have just flowered by about a third, which also helps stimulate the next season's buds. Pruning can be done annually, typically in the late summer or early fall after the blooming period has ended. Always use clean, sharp tools to make the cuts to avoid damaging the plant.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Common Jasmine or Poet's Jasmine ('Devon Cream') thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand in equal parts creates an ideal environment. The soil's pH should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Poet's Jasmine should be repotted every two to three years, preferably in the spring. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting if they outgrow their current pots, while mature plants can be repotted less often.
- Humidity & Misting
Common Jasmine enjoys high humidity levels, around 40-50%. Providing this plant with a humid environment is beneficial, especially during the growing season. Avoiding overly dry air is essential for their health.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect sunlight and ensure high humidity for the Poet's Jasmine.
Outdoor
Poet's Jasmine needs full sun to partial shade and protection from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
- Life cycle
Jasmine 'Devon Cream' starts as a seedling, sprouting in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Once established, the plant enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase, producing dark green leaves and long, twining stems that can be trained on supports. As it matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, where it produces an abundance of creamy, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, some varieties may produce small black berries, although this cultivar's primary interest lies in its flowers. As the growing season ends, the plant enters a period of dormancy in colder climates, with reduced growth and energy conservation. Yearly, it resumes growth from perennials stems or, where winters are harsher, from the root if the top growth has died back.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Jasminum officinale 'Devon Cream', commonly known as the 'Devon Cream' jasmine, can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, which is the most popular method. The best time to take cuttings is during the summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. To propagate using this method, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length, just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried. Water the cutting and cover with a plastic bag or place in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Cuttings typically root in 4 to 8 weeks, after which they can be transferred to individual pots to grow on until they're ready to be planted out.