In certain places, especially in the southeastern United States, Asian Jasmine is a common sight. If you know anything about this plant, you may have wondered whether or not it flowers similarly to other Jasmine varieties. Find the answer when you take the time to learn about this colorful botanical beauty.
What is Asian Jasmine?
Ironically, Asian Jasmine is not truly a type of Jasmine. Common practice is that flowering plants with a Jasmine-like scent are called Jasmine. This type of Jasmine is commonly called Asiatic Jasmine.
Characteristics of Asian Jasmine
Asian Jasmine has some unique qualities that set it apart from the other Jasmine in a category with it. Asiatic Jasmine produces beautiful flowers. Identifying traits of Asian Jasmine are:
- Thrives in warm, humid climates
- Produces small star-shaped white to yellow flowers
- Spreads out as it grows
- Small leaves in a variety of different colors
- Hardy and Low maintenance
- Pest and disease resistant
Asian Jasmine has beautifully colored leaves and the ability to thrive when somewhat neglected. Suitable as alternative ground covering, this jasmine responds well when mowed and is moderately drought-tolerant, cutting water costs.
Ideal Conditions
The perfect conditions for an Asian Jasmine are temperate and not extremely hot or humid, in full sunlight for as much of the day as possible. They do best in moist, fertile soil and rarely need fertilizer. Only need to trim on occasion, and this plant is reasonably self-sufficient. Be sure to practice caution, as Asian Jasmine may become invasive if left alone too long.
Types of Asian Jasmine
There are several types of Asian Jasmine. Cultivation resulted in some varieties that have fragrant flowers while others have no flowers at all. These are prized for their colorful foliage and used as a bright and cheerful alternative to classic ground covers.
Non-Flowering
There are varieties of Asian jasmine that are beautifully colored but have no flowers or very seldom produce flowers.
- “Minima” – A woody and hearty strain that is also drought-tolerant. As a ground cover, Minima discourages the growth of weeds due to their density and rarely produces flowers.
- “Summer Sunset” – Never flowers, but the foliage is colored in reds, orange, yellows, and white for a beautiful ground covering that also does well planted in a container.
Flowering
These varieties are the kind of Asian jasmine that reliably flower. The flowers are fragrant and smell much like true jasmine flowers do.
Snow-N-Summer
This is a proprietary strain and is not for propagation. Leaves start pink and gradually turn green, then the edges will turn white. The plant is with fragrant white, star-shaped flowers in the summer months.
Ogon Nishiki”
Also known as “Gold Brocade or “Salsa,” the leaves start orange and turn various colors upon maturation. Abundant white flowers during the summertime cover this ground cover.
Variegatum
Named such due to the variegated look of the grey-green leaves, these are the backdrop for the ivory blooms, which appear in the summer and stay for an extended period.
Should I Plant Asian Jasmine at My House?
If you are looking for a hearty, easy-to-upkeep ground covering, Asian Jasmine is a colorful choice to enhance your outdoor spaces. If you want flowers, pick a variety of Asian Jasmine that produces blooms to avoid disappointment.
Also, consider that Asian Jasmine will not bloom if the temperature gets too hot or if they are stressed. Temperate climates with some humidity and no temperature extremes are the best.
If this sounds right up your alley, then Asian Jasmine might be the right choice to make your patio or outdoor spaces elegant and colorful with blooming Asian Jasmine flowers.