Madagascar Jasmine Care

Plant Description

• The fast-growing, woody vine performs as a perennial evergreen in its preferred climate. Madagascar jasmine vines have a twining habit. The vine grows up to 20 feet tall and 6 feet wide and the 4-inch, oval foliage is dark green and glossy. The flower clusters bloom summer throughout autumn. The starlike white flowers are fragrant. Each flower cluster contains about 6 blossoms. Brides often use the fragrant flower clusters in their bouquets, giving the plant its nickname of bridal wreath or bridal bouquet.

Growing Outdoors

• Grow Madagascar jasmine outdoors in regions where temperatures do not drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Missouri Botanical Gardens. Use it to climb up a trellis, arbor, lattice, pole or wall. Plant the vine about a foot away from the object it will use for climbing. Grow the plant in a sunny to partially shady location. Allow the plant to receive some afternoon shade in extremely hot regions. It prefers growing in rich, well-drained soils. Amend the garden soil with a 6-inch layer of humus. Work the humus about 1 foot into the soil. Plant at the same depth the vine was growing inside its nursery pot.

Containers

• Madagascar jasmine tolerates potted growth indoors and outside. It works well used on a balcony, trailing over the edge. Place the container next to an object, such as a pole or trellis, to support the vine. Use containers that drain or root rot becomes a problem. Plastic, wooden or clay containers are all suitable for use. Gardeners should consider that water requirements are greater when using porous containers like terra cotta. Plant the vine in an organically rich potting mix that drains well. Place outdoor containers in a sunny to partially shady location. Indoor-grown plants perform best situated by a sunny window or door.

Care

• Pests and disease problems rarely bother Madagascar jasmine. When grown indoors, mealy bugs and scales are sometimes problematic. If insects infect the vine, select a product safe for use on the plant, following the manufacturer's instructions. Water outdoor plants regularly, as the vine has a medium tolerance to drought. Water potted plants when the top inch or two of potting mix feels dry. Cut the watering schedule in half during winter, as the vine does not require as much moisture. Fertilization is not necessary, according to North Carolina State University. If mulching around the base of the vine, keep it two to three inches away from the plant's woody base. Throughout the warm growing season, prune the vine freely. Pruning controls the vine's rapid growth and maintains its shape. If temperatures become cold, transport containers into a warm, sunny area indoors or into a protected greenhouse.