Common Jasmine Jasminum officinale 'Inverleith'
ABOUT
Jasminum officinale 'Inverleith', commonly known as common jasmine or simply jasmine, is a cultured delight for many gardens due to its appealing aesthetics. This plant is recognized by its delicate, star-shaped flowers which are pure white in color. These flowers bloom abundantly and can transform the plant into a spectacular showcase during its flowering season. Each blossom is comprised of five petals that fan out from a center, and these are known for their rich, sweet fragrance that intensifies in the evening hours. The foliage of the common jasmine consists of graceful, dark green leaves that provide a beautiful backdrop to the pristine white flowers. The leaves are compound, usually with seven oval-shaped, shiny leaflets arranged opposite each other along the vines. The vine itself is a twining growth that elegantly wraps and weaves itself around any supports, such as trellises or fences, it can find. This twining characteristic is an intrinsic part of the plant's charm, allowing it to be used as an ornamental addition in many landscape designs that seek a touch of natural elegance and a sense of vertical interest. Overall, the common jasmine is a visually attractive plant that brings a romantic and sensory appeal to the spaces it adorns. Its beauty lies in both its visual display and its olfactory presence, making it a favorite among plants that serve to beautify and add fragrance to gardens and outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Oleaceae.
Synonyms
Common Jasmine, Poet's Jasmine, Summer Jasmine, White Jasmine, True Jasmine.
Common names
Jasminum officinale.
ToxicityTo humans
Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale 'Inverleith') is generally regarded as non-toxic to humans. However, some people might experience a mild allergic reaction or dermatitis from handling the plant or its flowers. Ingesting any part of the common jasmine, in general, is not known to cause severe poisoning in humans. Nonetheless, as with many plants, if ingested in large quantities, it might cause mild stomach upset or discomfort.
To pets
For pets, common jasmine (Jasminum officinale 'Inverleith') is also generally considered non-toxic. However, some animals may have a sensitivity or allergic reaction if they consume parts of the plant. Although severe poisoning is not typical, ingestion can potentially result in gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if consumed in significant amounts. It's always best to prevent pets from eating plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife 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- Aesthetic Appeal: Jasmine 'Inverleith' is renowned for its striking dark purple buds that open to fragrant, white flowers, thus enhancing the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Easy to Train: Being a vining plant, it can easily be trained to grow on trellises, fences, and arbors, serving as an effective and attractive green screen or privacy barrier.
- Perfume and Scent Making: The flowers are commonly used in the perfume industry and for making natural scents due to their intense fragrance.
- Outdoor Living Space Enhancement: Due to its pleasant aroma, Jasmine 'Inverleith' can enhance the enjoyment of patios, balconies, and other outdoor living areas.
- Cultural Significance: Jasmine has cultural importance in many societies and is used in ceremonies, religious events, and traditional decorations.
- Growth Control: As a cultivar, 'Inverleith' can be more manageable in terms of growth habit compared to other jasmine varieties, making it suitable for smaller gardens.
- Potential Economic Value: In certain regions, jasmine is cultivated for its flowers, which are used in various industries, providing an economic benefit.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic effects: Jasmine has been traditionally used for its calming and relaxing properties, which may help reduce anxiety.
- Antidepressant potential: The scent of jasmine has been associated with uplifting mood and potentially acting as a mild antidepressant.
- Antiseptic uses: Jasmine oil has been used for its antiseptic properties, which can help in treating and preventing infections.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Compounds in jasmine, such as flavonoids, might contribute to reducing inflammation in the body.
- Antispasmodic function: Jasmine extracts have been traditionally used to relieve muscle spasms.
- Aphrodisiac actions: The aroma of jasmine is sometimes cited for its aphrodisiac qualities, although this is more related to traditional beliefs rather than proven medical efficacy.
- Sleep aid: The sedative properties of jasmine might assist in improving the quality of sleep, aiding in the treatment of insomnia.
- Pain relief: Jasmine oil is sometimes used in aromatherapy to alleviate aches and pains, although scientific evidence is limited.
- Menstrual pain and disorders: Some traditional medicine systems use jasmine to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with menstruation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses```html
- Fresh jasmine flowers are used in ceremonies, particularly weddings, in many cultures to signify purity and unity.
- Jasmine flowers are traditionally used to scent tea, such as jasmine green tea, where the flowers infuse their fragrance into the tea leaves.
- Essential oils derived from jasmine are often used in aromatherapy to promote a sense of relaxation and to reduce stress.
- In culinary, jasmine flowers can be used to make syrups, jellies, or desserts for a hint of floral sweetness.
- Jasmine-infused oil can be used for anointing candles in spiritual or religious rituals to enhance the atmosphere with its scent.
- Dried jasmine flowers are sometimes used as a natural and fragrant bookmark for books, giving off a subtle scent each time the book is opened.
- The wood from jasmine plants is sometimes used in small woodworking projects, like making handles for utensils or inlay work for decorative items.
- Jasmine petals can be added to homemade potpourri mixes to contribute a gentle, long-lasting fragrance to a room.
- In fabric and clothing industry, jasmine scent is used to infuse garments, particularly in cultures where the scent is culturally significant.
- Jasmine flowers can serve as a natural dye, providing a delicate yellow tint to fabrics or art projects when used in the dyeing process.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiJasmine is often used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy and love into a home. It can be placed in the southwest area of a garden or room to enhance relationships and romance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityJasmine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Common jasmine, often associated with love due to its sweet, captivating fragrance, is used in many cultures during weddings and romantic occasions.
- Purity: Its pure white flowers symbolize innocence and purity, making it a common choice in bridal bouquets and ceremonial decorations.
- Beauty: The aesthetic appeal of jasmine blooms represents beauty and is frequently appreciated in gardens and personal adornments for its delicate appearance.
- Sensuality: The intense scent of jasmine is linked to sensuality and often used in perfumery to evoke an aura of allure and romance.
- Hospitality: In some cultures, the jasmine flower is a symbol of hospitality, welcoming guests with its inviting fragrance.
- Motherhood: In certain regions, jasmine is symbolic of motherhood, representing the deep bond and affection between a mother and her children.
WaterCommon Jasmine, or Jasminum officinale 'Inverleith', enjoys consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once every week, but frequency can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. When watering, apply water slowly and evenly around the base of the plant, allowing it to soak into the soil, using about one to two gallons of water. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering than in the dormant winter months.
LightCommon Jasmine thrives in a spot where it can receive full sun to part shade, with ideally at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. An east or west-facing window would be an ideal indoor location, whereas outdoors, it should be planted where it can get morning sun and afternoon dappled shade, to prevent overheating and scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureCommon Jasmine prefers a moderate climate and fares best within a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing it in areas where temperatures can drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent cold damage.
PruningPruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of Common Jasmine. Prune during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches, and shape the plant as desired, cutting back up to one third of the plant if necessary to promote dense growth. Prune after flowering if shaping is needed, as it blooms on old wood. Regular pruning also encourages more blooms during the next flowering season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCommon jasmine 'Inverleith' thrives best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. To create an ideal soil mix, combine two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sand or perlite for aeration.
RepottingCommon jasmine 'Inverleith' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to provide fresh nutrients and prevent root crowding. Choose a pot that's one size larger than the current one to allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingCommon Jasmine 'Inverleith' prefers average to high humidity levels. Aim to maintain humidity around 40-50% for optimal growth, utilising humidifiers or pebble trays if needed.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Common Jasmine in bright, indirect light and ensure humidity.
Outdoor
Grow Common Jasmine in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleJasminum officinale 'Inverleith', commonly known as Poet's Jasmine or simply Jasmine, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding suitable conditions, germinates and develops a root system and shoots. The seedling grows into a young plant, or juvenile, with distinctive long, slender stems and dark green pinnate leaves. As it matures, Jasmine enters its vegetative stage, vigorously climbing or spreading, depending on the support available, and it continues to produce more foliage. It then enters the flowering stage, where white, fragrant flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and can continue through fall under optimal conditions. After pollination, these flowers develop into small black berries, which are the plant's fruit and contain seeds for the next generation. Lastly, in perennial habitats, the plant will go through a period of dormancy during the colder months before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Common jasmine, known scientifically as Jasminum officinale 'Inverleith', can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings. This method is popular due to its simplicity and high success rate. Ideally, the cuttings should be taken during the summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long, and should have several leaf nodes present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting should then be planted in a mixture of equal parts peat and perlite, ensuring that at least two leaf nodes are buried in the growing medium. The pot should be placed in a warm, well-lit area without direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept moist until roots have formed, which typically takes several weeks.
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