Duchess Arabian Jasmine

Duchess Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac 'Duchess') is the compact jasmine for small spaces. This evergreen climber grows 1 to 2m tall, which suits a trellis, a sunny wall or a large pot, and it carries very fragrant, pure white flowers in summer and autumn. It comes from the tropics of south-east Asia, where the flowers are used to scent jasmine tea.

Why you'll love it

• Perfume that carries. The single to semi-double white flowers are very fragrant, so one plant beside a doorway, window or seat scents the whole spot.
• A compact climber. It is smaller than the species form, topping out at 1 to 2m, so it never takes over a small trellis or balcony rail.
• Evergreen cover. The leaves stay on the plant all year, so the frame never looks bare between flushes of flower.
• Happy in a pot. In cooler climates it grows well in a container, which can be moved to shelter when winter arrives.

Where it works best

Trellises and frames. Train the stems up a trellis, obelisk or wire frame in a sunny spot. For a continuous panel along a fence or low trellis, plant 1m apart and tie in new growth as it extends.

Pots on patios and balconies. A large pot with a frame puts the perfume at nose height beside a seat or door, and it can be moved under cover for winter in a frosty district.

Courtyards and entries. Its modest size suits a narrow bed beside a front path or bench, where the flowers can be enjoyed up close.

Growing Duchess Arabian Jasmine in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the longest flowering season. Tropical and subtropical gardens suit it best, because it is a plant of the humid tropics. In warm temperate and cooler districts, grow it in a pot in a sunny position through the warmer months and shelter it from cold wind and frost over winter, under a verandah or indoors beside a bright window.

Soil. Free draining soil is the key. Dig well composted manure through the planting hole, and in a pot use a quality potting mix with generous drainage holes.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until it is established, which takes about 12 weeks. Keep watering regularly through the growing season and ease off in winter. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid feed such as seaweed solution through summer.

Pruning. Prune straight after flowering. That keeps the habit dense and sets the plant up for flowers again next year.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Duchess Arabian Jasmine as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted. It arrives small, so fit the trellis or frame at planting and tie the first stems in as they grow. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it is back.

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

• Browse the full jasmine range
• More climbers for trellises and fences
• Most fragrant plants for Australian gardens
• Plants that thrive in pots

Common questions

Will it survive winter outdoors?

Only where frost is rare. It is a tropical plant, so in cold districts keep it in a pot and move it under cover when frost is forecast, then return it to full sun in spring.

Is this the same plant as star jasmine?

No. Star jasmine is a different genus. Arabian jasmine is the tea jasmine, with rounder white flowers and a heavier perfume, and it is much less cold hardy.

When should I prune it?

Straight after flowering finishes. Trim to shape and thin crowded stems, and next season's display will be heavier.