Pink Jasmine

Jasminum polyanthum · Flower

Quick answer: Water: When the top 1 in is dry, about weekly (estimated). Light: Full sun to partial shade; bright light indoors. Soil: Rich, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0 (estimated). Pets: True jasmine (Jasminum) is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Plants called jasmine from other genera, such as star jasmine or Carolina jessamine, differ, so check the latin name. If in doubt, ask your vet.

A vigorous climber with clusters of pink buds that open into white, intensely fragrant star-shaped flowers. It is grown on trellises outdoors in mild climates and in pots indoors elsewhere. Cool winter nights help it set its flower buds.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun to partial shade; bright light indoors

Water

Keep soil lightly moist; water when the top 1 in is dry

Soil

Rich, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0 (estimated)

Temperature

Best 60–75 °F; needs cool nights around 40–50 °F to bud (estimated)

Spacing

6–10 ft between plants on a fence or trellis (estimated)

Container

At least 3 gallons, with a small trellis (estimated)

Bloom

Late winter to spring, 4–6 weeks (estimated)

Lifespan

Perennial vine

When?

Plant outdoors in spring after the last frost, where winters rarely fall below about 25 °F (estimated). Potted plants can go outside in summer and should come back in before frost, after a few weeks of cool nights.

Step by step

1. Choose a sunny spot with a trellis, fence or wire for support.
2. Mix compost into the planting hole or use a rich potting mix in a pot.
3. Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot and water well.
4. Tie young shoots loosely to the support as they grow.
5. Water when the top 1 in of soil is dry; do not let pots dry out fully.
6. Feed every 2–4 weeks from spring to midsummer with a balanced fertilizer.
7. Give 4–6 weeks of cool nights in autumn to set flower buds (estimated).
8. Prune right after flowering to control size; later pruning removes next year's buds.

Common problems

Pets

True jasmine (Jasminum) is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Plants called jasmine from other genera, such as star jasmine or Carolina jessamine, differ, so check the latin name. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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