Many-Flowered Jasmine - Jasminum polyanthum

Scientific Name
Jasminum polyanthum (many-flowered Jasmine)

Common Name
Many-Flowered Jasmine, Pink Jasmine, White Jasmine, Poet's Jasmine

Origin
Native to South-Western China and Myanmar

Description
This climbing plant is perhaps best known for its scented flowers- and as the name suggests, it does have a lot of them! In either pale pink or white, these star-shaped flowers scatter across and stand out against the deep green foliage of the Jasmine plant. While it isn't hardy to British winters, it can be trained to climb up an indoor trellis and is well-suited to growing in conservatories as long as it's kept out of harsh sun in summer and above 10°C in winter. Look after this plant and it will reward you with a cascade of narrow green leaves and a constellation of flowers from late winter through to spring.

Light
Bright, indirect light is best for this plant. Direct sun can scorch the leaves but bright light will help prevent it getting too cold and damp.

Water
Water once a third of the soil has dried out; use lukewarm water so as not to shock the plant. If it gets too dry or if the water is cold whilst it's flowering it could cause it to drop flowers. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.

Humidity
Average humidity is fine for Jasmines; don't mist this plant as this can cause damage to the flowers.

Soil
Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with components such as sand and coir to aid root growth. A mix designed for ferns will work well here.

Food
Fertilise every couple of weeks while the plant is flowering with a high-potassium fertiliser. Feed once a month with standard houseplant fertiliser during the rest of the year.

Temperature
Ideal temperature is between 15-25°C; make sure it does not get colder than 10°C in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
To better encourage flowering, give your Jasmine a dormancy period in autumn and winter. Water less and make sure it is around 5°C cooler than summer temperatures.