Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut) Tabernaemontana divaricata
Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut) (Tabernaemontana divaricata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Apocynaceae family, native to Himalayan foothills and India to southern China and Thailand. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–78 weeks after planting, for 34–47 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Himalayan foothills and India to southern China and Thailand |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: milky sap, roots, seeds
Milky latex with indole alkaloids; harmful if eaten in quantity and irritant to skin.
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 Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut)
- How far apart should I plant Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut) flower?
- About 52–78 weeks after planting, for 34–47 weeks.
- Is Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Milky latex with indole alkaloids; harmful if eaten in quantity and irritant to skin.
- What grows well with Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Crape jasmine (pinwheel flower, phut). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- Glossy, dark-green shrub with white flowers whose petals twist like a pinwheel; the double form (phut son) is most planted. Lightly scented at night; used in offerings and garlands.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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