Climber
Common jasmine
Jasminum officinale
A vigorous deciduous climber reaching about 4–8 m, with intensely fragrant white flowers in summer and early autumn. It grows in sun or partial shade but flowers best in a warm, bright, sheltered position with a sturdy support.
- Size
- 4–8 m high · 1.5–2.5 m wide
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Hardy
- Seasonal form
- Deciduous
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Install a strong support and allow space for several metres of growth before the stems become tangled.
- Choose a warm, sheltered site with good drainage; partial shade is tolerated but may reduce flowering.
- Severe winters can damage this jasmine; a warm wall alone does not ensure survival. In colder regions, assess local hardiness and plan winter protection.
Why choose it
- Strongly scented white summer flowers are the main attraction and are especially effective near seating or paths.
- A trained plant can cover a wall, pergola or large trellis with relatively light foliage.
Care
- Water while establishing and in prolonged dry weather, especially on warm walls.
- Train new shoots onto the support and remove thin or unwanted older shoots after flowering.
Good to know
- The species is usually deciduous; a particularly mild sheltered site may prolong leaf retention.