Grand Duke of Tuscany Arabian Jasmine

Grand Duke of Tuscany Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac 'Grand Duke of Tuscany') is the jasmine for people who want the perfume turned up. This evergreen rambler reaches 2 to 3m tall and 1 to 2m wide, and from spring through summer it carries highly perfumed, fully double white flowers. Train it over an arbour or grow it as a large potted feature.

Why you'll love it

• Heavy perfume. The double white flowers are highly perfumed. The species is native to south-east Asia, where its flowers are used to scent jasmine tea.
• A long season. Flowers open from spring right through summer, which keeps the scent going for months.
• A rambler that trains well. Stems are happy to be tied onto an arbour or trellis, giving cool summer shade underneath.
• Works in a pot. In a large container it suits smaller gardens, courtyards and balconies, and a trim after flowering keeps it in scale.

Where it works best

Arbours and trellises. Let it ramble over an arbour, pergola post or sturdy trellis for fragrant summer shade. Plant 1.5m apart along a long frame, and tie the longer stems in each season.

Cottage and tropical style gardens. As a feature beside a path, seat or entry it sits comfortably among cottage perennials or lush tropical foliage.

Large pots. A big container lets you place the perfume exactly where you sit, and in a cooler climate it can be moved into shelter for winter.

Growing Grand Duke of Tuscany Arabian Jasmine in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny spot gives the longest flowering season. It comes from the humid climate of south-east Asia, so tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens suit it. In cooler districts plant it in a container in a sunny position through the warmer months, and shelter it from cold wind and frost through winter.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil and dig well composted manure through the hole first. In a pot, use a good potting mix and make sure the drainage holes are clear.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks or so while it establishes. Water regularly in the growing season and less in winter. Give slow release fertiliser in spring and a regular liquid feed, such as seaweed solution, through summer.

Pruning. Trim after flowering to encourage a dense habit and more flowers next season. Because it rambles, a yearly tidy also stops the longest stems tangling.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Grand Duke of Tuscany Arabian Jasmine as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted. It arrives as a small plant and builds its rambling shape over a few seasons. The supply of tubes comes from our grower and is sometimes unavailable. A sold out tube means the grower has none right now, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it returns.

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

• See the whole jasmine collection
• Fragrant plants for gardens and courtyards
• A guide to aromatic gardening
• Climbers for arbours and trellises

Common questions

How big does it get?

Expect 2 to 3m tall and 1 to 2m wide in the ground. A pot and a trim after flowering keep it smaller, so it suits a courtyard as well as a long trellis.

How is it different from Duchess jasmine?

Grand Duke of Tuscany is larger, with double flowers from spring to summer. Duchess is more compact at 1 to 2m, with single to semi-double flowers in summer and autumn.

Can I grow it in a cold climate?

Yes, in a pot. Keep it in full sun through the warm months, then bring it under cover before frost and keep it out of cold wind until spring.