Growing Madagascar Jasmine Vines Outdoors in Southern California

Identification

• The Madagascar jasmine vine grows at a moderate rate to eventual heights of 10 or 15 feet, provided it has the support of a trellis or other structure on which to twine. In excellent conditions, it can even attain heights of 30 feet. It has evergreen leaves. Although it is not a true jasmine, its waxy white flower clusters, which form on new growth, are very reminiscent of jasmine flowers in both fragrance and appearance. Trumpet-shaped, with five petals, these flowers appear in late spring and continue through summer in Southern California.

Hardiness Range

• As the name suggests, this twining vine is native to the jungles of Madagascar, where it is accustomed to heat and humidity. It is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, which means it will grow in many places in Southern California. However, much of California is dry and arid rather than moist and humid, so you’ll need to check often to make sure that Madagascar jasmine is getting enough water.

Water Needs

• Water Madagascar jasmine deeply and consistently in the first growing season to help the plant form a deep, healthy root system. It prefers consistently moist soil, so even after the plant is established, you should continue to water it regularly. It is also accustomed to humidity, so for best health you should mist it with a water bottle or fine-mist hose attachment to simulate this. During the rainy season, reduce watering and let rainfall take over. The plant does not like soggy roots, which may encourage growth of fungus.

Culture

• Although it does like some afternoon shade in very hot climates, Madagascar jasmine will not flower well if it doesn’t receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Mulch will help discourage competition from weeds and keep the soil moist, so spread a two- to three-inch layer of organic material around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem. If you live in USDA zones 9b or below, you can grow Madagascar jasmine as a container plant and bring it indoors in cold weather, where you should provide bright light and reduced watering.