Tropical Plants: Double Jasmine

Characteristics

• Jasmine plants grow naturally and abundantly in tropical climates within India, Hawaii, China and the Philippines. Some jasmines grow on shrubs while others form vines that climb and cover nearby structures. The shrubs may grow as tall as 8 feet in their native habitat, but seldom grow larger than 3 feet as indoor houseplants. Like their single-flower relatives, double-flower jasmines exhibit evergreen foliage that keeps its color throughout the year.

Varieties

• Flore Pleno, Grandiflora and rose jasmine are three types of jasmines that form double blossoms. The thick, white blossoms appear in the springtime and emit a sweet scent, noticeably stronger at night. The blossoms of these double-flower jasmines are used in Hawaiian flower leis.

Requirements

• Double-flower jasmines prefer full sunlight but can also grow in partial shade. They need rich, well-drained soils. The ideal soil pH level for these plants falls between 4.6 and 6.0. As outdoor specimens, they require the warm temperatures that exist in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. Double-flower jasmines need evenly moist soil and suffer in arid climates with frequent or prolonged droughts.

Care

• Once established, double-flower jasmines require minimal care. Extreme temperature fluctuations can lead to leaf drop and poor flower formation, making it necessary to keep these flowering plants away from exterior doorways, heating ducts and air-conditioning outlets. Large pots with numerous drainage holes provide adequate space for root development and drainage. Humid conditions are conducive to optimal growth. Placing a layer of sphagnum moss over the surface of the soil holds moisture near the roots and helps generate humidity under the leaves. Double-flower jasmines are prone to certain pests, such as spider mites, jasmine whiteflies and long-tailed mealybugs. Periodic treatment with herbicides formulated for flowering houseplants helps keep these bugs at bay.