Common jasmine Jasminum officinale
Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Oleaceae family. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Common jasmine at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Common jasmine toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
True jasmine (Jasminum) is listed as non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
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 Common jasmine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Common jasmine
- How far apart should I plant Common jasmine?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Common jasmine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common jasmine need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Common jasmine?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Common jasmine flower?
- From about June for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common 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. True jasmine (Jasminum) is listed as non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Common jasmine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common jasmine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Twining climber; needs a support. Do not confuse with toxic false jasmine (Gelsemium).
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
- Olive Olea europaea
- Sweet osmanthus Osmanthus fragrans
- Arabian jasmine Jasminum sambac
- Early lilac (Chinese lilac) Syringa oblata
- Night jasmine (parijat) Nyctanthes arbor-tristis