Jasminum

Think of Jasmine, and you think of its sweet perfume. Yet not all of this diverse group of vines, shrubs and ground covers have fragrant flowers. Most are tropical or subtropical, but some, such as Jasminum nudiflorum, grow as far north as southern coastal New England. Prune to control shape and size. Several of the less frost-tolerant, fragrant species are grown in greenhouses which fill with their scent.

Insider's secret

Outdoors, plant jasmines in full sun or partial shade. They grow best in a well-drained, light soil enriched with leaf mold, peat moss or compost. From spring through fall, fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Tie the stems to supports and keep the soil evenly moist through the growing season. Prune after flowering to keep the plants thinned and shaped. Provide winter protection in Zones 7 and 8.

Indoors, jasmines need at least four hours of direct sunlight daily or 14 to 16 hours of strong artificial light. Arabian jasmine needs night temperatures of 60° to 65° and day temperatures of 72° or higher. Grow the other jasmines with night temperatures of 50° to 55° and day temperatures of 68° to 72°. Plant in a mixture of equal parts potting soil, peat moss and coarse sand, adding 1 tablespoon each of bone meal and ground limestone to every gallon of mixture. Keep the soil mixture moist but do not let it become soggy. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a house-plant fertilizer diluted to half the strength recommended on the label. Propagate additional jasmine plants by rooting cuttings in moist vermiculite.

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