Arabian jasmine Jasminum sambac
Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Oleaceae family, native to South Asia (India and Bangladesh). It grows 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) tall and 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Arabian jasmine in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Arabian jasmine at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Mature height | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–43 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flowers (tea) |
| Native to | South Asia (India and Bangladesh) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇨🇳 China, 🇮🇳 India, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Arabian jasmine toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Jasmine (Jasminum) is listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Arabian jasmine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Arabian jasmine in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Gardens by the Bay (6 plants)
- Thai tropical garden (1 plants)
Questions about Arabian jasmine
- How far apart should I plant Arabian jasmine?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft).
- Does Arabian jasmine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Arabian jasmine need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Arabian jasmine?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Arabian jasmine flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–43 weeks.
- Is Arabian jasmine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Jasmine (Jasminum) is listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
- What grows well with Arabian jasmine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Arabian jasmine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Evening-fragrant flowers open at dusk and are picked for garlands and tea; scrambling stems usually need tying in.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common lilac Syringa vulgaris
- Common privet Ligustrum vulgare
- Forsythia Forsythia x intermedia
- Common jasmine Jasminum officinale
- Olive Olea europaea
- Sweet osmanthus Osmanthus fragrans
- Early lilac (Chinese lilac) Syringa oblata
- Night jasmine (parijat) Nyctanthes arbor-tristis