Just as plants are essential to humans, as we rely on them for water, food, oxygen, our climate, and even aesthetic beauty, the Asiatic Jasmine is no different. Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticium) is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces vine-like, woody branches. It grows in a very aggressive manner and can be used for various purposes. This is said to be one of the reasons it is popular—its versatility! Although it can be grown as a groundcover, on walls or fences, or in pots and containers, its primary usage is as a groundcover.
This plant is a true ground cover, forming a thick mat over the planting area. Also, the plant is easy to plant and does not require rigorous and difficult processes to grow. Asiatic Jasmine provides beautiful fragrant flowers in shades of green, yellow, and pink. This plant grows as a result of planted-rooted stem cutting, not through seed production.
Summary
Genus name: Trachelospermum asiaticium
Common name: Asiatic Jasmine
Plant type: Perennial
Origin: Japan
Height: 18 inches
Flower color: White, dark green, variegated
Soil type: Well-drained and moist
Bloom time: Spring, summer
Maintenance: Low
Light: Full sun, part sun, full shade
Soil: Well drained
Cultivation and History
Asiatic Jasmines have been cultivated in Asia for over 170 years and are native to Japan and
Korea. The plant was initially discovered and described by German botanist, Philipp Franz Von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini on a visit to Japan. They labeled the plant “Malouetia Asiatica.” Takenoshi Nakai, a Japanese botanist, later reclassified the plant as “Trachelospermum Asiaticum.”
This plant can survive in all conditions, be it drought, frost, or sunshine, and is hardly attacked
by animals. It needs very low maintenance and very minimal care. Also, it can be grown in full sun, partial sun, or full set using any soil.
Growing Tips
Asian Jasmines are mostly grown as ground covers, but smaller varieties can be grown in
hanging containers. Although, the container has to be made of lightweight material and must have large drain holes.
It is advisable to use organic-rich, well-drained soil, a balanced fertilizer, and water the plants
regularly. Also, to promote adequate growth, you should create a warm and moist environment for the plant.
How to grow
Asian Jasmines plants are usually purchased as transplants and should be planted from the start on clear, weed-free soil. Plants are to be placed one and a half feet apart and will take about two growing seasons to fill in completely.
You can grow them using almost any soil type, as long as it is well drained and has a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Although, it grows faster and more aggressively in soils with adequate organic content and should be well drained at initial planting.
The plant requires only little watering, especially during rainfall, but might require frequent watering during hot periods. When planting with soil with a high percentage of organic content, you might decide not to use a fertilizer for increased growth. However, if you choose to use a fertilizer, apply the slow-release fertilizer once a month, then proceed to apply once a year once the plant is established.
Asiatic Jasmine should be mowed and pruned at least once a year to keep a nice appearance and prevent infections. Also, it can be grown in all areas, as it can handle all forms of temperatures.
Propagation
The fact that the Asiatic Jasmine plant is gorgeous and can be used as a ground cover may make you want it. Although it doesn’t grow from seeds, there are other propagation methods.
Here are some other ways to propagate the Asiatic Jasmine plant.
1. Propagation from Cuttings
Take a 6-inch cutting from the plant’s tip (a vine shoot.) Remove and leaves the remainder from the end of the cutting and dip it (the end) into a rooting medium, such as a rooting hormone, for better results.
Get a small pot with good drainage and fill it with damp sand or soil; the plant grows well in almost any soil as long as the drainage is appropriate. Make a hole in the sand, then place the cutting into the hole in the sand and water well. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture, and water it regularly. Place the pot on a windowsill that gets indirect light or a
partially sunny location.
2. Propagation from Seedlings
This method involves purchasing small jasmine plugs at nurseries; you can also get them online. When purchased, dig a hole about the same size as the pot you are transplanting, and place your plug in it. Water the plants three times per week for the first month, then once per week for the next few months for the best results.
Propagating or transplanting this plant from seedlings is a faster method of getting a green carpet.
3. Propagation from Roots
Asiatic Jasmine plants often form clumps of roots along the stem, at points where it comes in
contact with something it perceives as a source of the nutrient.
You can use this layering technique by simply cutting the root and placing it in any medium of
your choice, and planting these independent new plants wherever you’d like.
Pruning and maintenance
To encourage healthy growth, it is advisable to prune your Asiatic Jasmine plant. The only maintenance Asiatic Jasmines need is pruning. They spread aggressively, and you may find them growing out of line when abandoned. You can give it a little mowing, but the edges should be trimmed regularly.
You can use pruners to trim if you have a small area of this plant. Also, ensure your cutting implements are sharp to avoid getting unattractive ragged vine ends.
Cultivars to Select
The Asiatic Jasmine has a wide variety of cultivars for selection. Each type has its characteristics and uniqueness that make people drawn to it.
Below are some of the popular varieties.
1. Snow-N-Summer
This is a very unique variety of the Asiatic Jasmine plant. Monrovia develops it. This cultivar is quite popular because it has attractive foliage that changes color as it gets established.
It starts as pink, then white, the eventually matures into an attractive white and green.
2. Gold Brocade
This is a cultivar developed in Japan. It is a twining vine or groundcover with beautiful green leaves, variegated with light yellow and colored red-orange on the new growth,
3. Kifu Chirimen
This is another cultivar from Japan. It is a variegated Asian Jasmine whose little leaves grow in copper-bronze and eventually mature to some like silvery green. Other varieties, such as Bronze Beauty, Long Leaf, and Variegatum, remain popular.
4. Summer Sunset
This variety of the Asiatic Jasmine plant loves to be placed in the sun. The sun enhances its radiance and makes its vibrant colors of green and red scintillate around the environment. When it’s sunny, a passerby cannot but notice a summer sunset cultivar if it is planted nearby.
5. Goshiki
The Goshiki is a robust cultivar that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Its leaves change to a yellow base color with green linings when established. You will notice that the leaves are often red.
Light
Asiatic Jasmine tolerates various growing conditions and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. According to florgeous.com, “the optimal growth of the Asiatic Jasmine will be obtained if exposed to full sunlight. It should be uninterrupted and last for at least 6 hours daily.” However, the plant would still thrive in minimal sun or partial shade.
Soil
When planting, most people feel that rich soil is integral to growth. Yes, it is true; it does. But this is not so applicable to the Asiatic Jasmine plant. The Asiatic Jasmine can be referred to as a versatile vine because this specie thrives in every soil type as far as there is proper drainage. That is, this plant uses any kind of soil except waterlogged. According to studies, Asiatic Jasmine needs well-drained but moist, moderately fertile, sandy, loamy soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
Water
When newly planted, it is advisable to keep the soil consistently moist so that they can grow strong roots. You may need to water your Asiatic Jasmine every three or four days for the first month, then about once a week for another couple of months.
Once the plants become mature, they can’t withstand not getting watered frequently. They only need regular watering if it is dry season, with no rain or extreme heat. However, if they are planted as flowers, you should water them regularly to keep them shining and blooming.
Temperature and Humidity
Asiatic Jasmine is a tropical plant that thrives in humid conditions and does not like extreme weather conditions, be it heat or cold. However, it might thrive better in frigid regions than in hotter areas.
Fertilizer
Asiatic Jasmine doesn’t require heavy feeding. Fertilizing it once a year with a balanced fertilizer at the inception of the growing season in the spring is enough. Although if you want more bloom out of the plant, you can choose to give it a tiny amount of fertilizer – this is not necessary
though.
Overwinter for Spring Stock
During winter, in cold regions where Asiatic Jasmines are grown in containers or pots, they must be brought indoors. However, manufacturing a way for the plant to survive the winter indoors can be pretty challenging. You’ll have to provide conditions like – high humidity, which you’ll have in the kitchen and bathroom. You can also use other rooms with dry heating air or a humidifier. If that is not enough, you could also source additional heat from bulb lighting and put it nearby.
In the fall, before the first frost, bring your Asian Jasmine inside for some hours every day. Immediately the temperature falls below freezing, keep it inside permanently.
In the spring, when it’s past fall, reverse the process and slowly acclimatize the plant to the gradually intense outdoor light for some hours every day as you did during fall, before moving it permanently to your porch or balcony for the summer.
Blooming
The Asiatic Jasmine is a beautiful plant. To enhance its blooming, follow the steps below.
1. Always use fertilizers with low or no-nitrogen plant food. Phosphorous-heavy plant food often affects its bloom.
2. Good air circulation is necessary for the excellent health of this plant. Keep your plant near open space or fan to have adequate air circulation.
3. Make sure your Jasmine is in the right light and temperature conditions.
4. Prune the stems of blooming plants regularly to allow new growth and a repeated process.
Managing common Pest & Plant Diseases
Pests and serious diseases hardly attack Asiatic Jasmine. In fact, it is resistant to most diseases. Even after providing it with constant care, the only disease you might encounter is leaf spot disease, caused by fungal pathogens in the Cercospora genus. Cercospora may occasionally infect your plant, but it usually does no severe harm and does not warrant using a fungicide.
An initial sign of infection is round or jagged brown spots that appear on older leaves. Eventually, as the disease progresses, the leaves change to a warm color, like red or purple.
Best Uses
The Asiatic Jasmine is an excellent evergreen vine that has nicely scented blossoms. It is popular for its versatility. It is often grown as a ground cover, on walls, along fences, and in a hanging basket to produce an aesthetic beauty. It can quickly be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on one’s preference.
Conclusion
Asiatic Jasmine, mostly grown as a groundcover, is a popular plant used for beautification, especially in Asia. However, it can be found around the world nowadays. This plant is a must-have for every garden because of its versatility and uniqueness. Also, it’s easy to grow and does not involve rigorous processes.
Frequently asked questions?
Does Asiatic Jasmine need sun or shade?
Jasmine is a temperature-tolerant plant. It can withstand cold and hot weather. You can grow
your Asiatic Jasmine in both sun and shade.
How long does it take for Asiatic Jasmine to spread?
It depends on the amount planted and the conditions. However, when planted in the right conditions, Asiatic Jasmine should spread within an average of two years after planting.
Is Asiatic Jasmine invasive?
Yes, Asiatic Jasmine is highly invasive. Therefore, proper care should be given to keep it in its place.
Is Asiatic Jasmine a ground cover?
Asiatic Jasmine can be grown as a ground cover or on fences, depending on the preference of
the gardener.
