Gardening in north Orange County, California

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Pink jasmine


Pink jasmine, Jasminum polyanthum, is an evergreen vine with dense clusters of star-shaped flowers, white on the inside and rose-pink on the outside, from beautiful rose-pink buds held upright, from February to July in Sunset zones 22-24 (a little later in colder areas).  The scent is heavenly, rather perfumy and exotic.

The vine can grow up to 20 ft. (6 m), in sun or partial shade.  This particular vine is growing in a rather unforgiving western exposure, with no regular water.  Sunset notes that J. polyanthum can be grown as a climber, a ground cover, or in containers -- here in Southern California it is usually to be seen climbing on fences or trellises, but would make an interesting ground cover, although in Australia and New Zealand at least, it is regarded as invasive, as it roots easily from stem material.