Arabian Jasmine

Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac), also called sampaguita, is the warm climate jasmine with glossy leaves and very fragrant white flowers. It is a rambling shrub that grows 2m to 3m high and 1m to 2m wide, a manageable size for a patio corner or the wall beside a door. Plant it where you will walk past in the evening, when the scent is at its strongest.

Why you'll love it

• Perfume that peaks at dusk. The white flowers are highly fragrant, and the scent is released most strongly in the evening.
• Glossy foliage. Shiny evergreen leaves keep the plant looking fresh between flushes of flower.
• A manageable size. At 2m to 3m it fills a corner or a large pot without needing a pergola, and it takes pruning well.
• Relaxed cottage style. The rambling habit suits informal, cottage style planting more than clipped formal beds.
• Made for warm gardens. It enjoys heat, so it is a natural choice for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens.

Where it works best

Beside doors, windows and seats. Plant it within a few steps of where you sit out in the evening so the perfume reaches you. Allow 1.5m between plants if you are planting more than one.

Containers. A big pot on the patio suits it well, and a pot lets you shift the plant under cover wherever frost is a risk.

Feature and cottage planting. Use one as a focal shrub in a loose, rambling garden, where its sprawling stems can mingle with other plants.

Growing Arabian Jasmine in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, in a warm, sheltered spot. This is a plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It is frost tender, so protect it from frost, and in cooler districts keep it in a pot or look at the hardier Jasminum polyanthum instead.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil. In a pot, use a good potting mix and check the drainage holes before planting.

Water and feed. Mulch the roots and water regularly until the plant is established, which usually takes around 12 weeks. After that, water in dry spells, and feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune after flowering. A trim then keeps the habit dense and encourages more flowers on the next flush.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Arabian Jasmine as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, leafy young plant that will put on growth quickly in warm weather. Small plants are light and travel securely, so unpack them as soon as they arrive and give them a good drink. Keep it away from cold winds and frost while it settles.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Jasmines and star jasmine
• More fragrant plants for the garden
• A guide to the most fragrant plants
• Plants for subtropical climates

Common questions

Is Arabian Jasmine a climber?

It is a rambling shrub, so it sprawls and can be tied to a support rather than climbing on its own. Grown free standing it makes a loose shrub of 2m to 3m, and a trellis or fence helps it stand tall.

Will it survive frost?

No. It is frost tender and needs protection from frost. In cooler districts, grow it in a large pot and bring it under cover on cold nights.

How do I get more flowers?

Give it plenty of sun, prune straight after a flush of flowers to keep it dense, and feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring. Dense, well fed growth carries more blooms.