Jasminum officinale, common jasmine, is a vigorous twining climber whose white summer flowers fill the evening air with scent.
It is the plant people mean when they ask for a scented jasmine. Clusters of small white starry flowers open from early summer into early autumn, intensely fragrant, above mid-green semi-evergreen foliage. Given support it twines fast to 4 to 8 metres, covering a pergola, arch, fence or wall, and bees visit the flowers.
Plant it in full sun against a warm, sheltered wall for the best flowering and the most scent; it wants well-drained soil. Water in prolonged dry spells and prune lightly after flowering to shape it and keep it within bounds. It is hardy across Britain. Plants may be in bud, flower or leaf depending on the season.
Supplied as one large, well-established plant in a 2 litre pot, ready for planting.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Common jasmine, summer jasmine
Fully Grown Height and Spread: 4–8 m x 2–4 m, when supported
Growth Habit: Vigorous twining climber
Perfect For: Walls, fences, pergolas, arches, trellis, scented gardens
Foliage: Mid-green, semi-evergreen
Flowering Time: Early summer to early autumn
Planting Position: Full sun, sheltered
Soil Type: Well-drained
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape and control growth
Seasonal Interest: Summer and autumn flowers
Type: Hardy climber
