Jasmine Flowers – Understanding the Common Varieties
Jasmine is a genus of vines and shrubs in the olive family and there are over 200 species native to warm tropical regions. Flowers of these plants are one of the easiest to grow, have low maintenance and are beautiful scented blooms which are used in many industries today.
Jasmine Flowers – Overview, Uses and Applicability
Jasmine is a very popular flower across the world and more so in the tropics because of its exquisite fragrance. While jasmine flowers are white in color, there are a few species that have yellow flowers. The flower is known to have originated in Himalayas in Western China. Jasmine flowers are sweet and strong scented and therefore have a ubiquitous presence in perfumery and cosmetics. Because of its sedative and relaxing properties, it is used as a calmative and also as an aphrodisiac. Two types of flowers are used for producing oil – Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum officinale. Jasmine oil is popular fragrant oil containing benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, jasmone, terpinol, linalool and several alcohols. This oil is used in high grade perfumes, creams, soaps, oils and shampoos. Jasmine is also used in medicines for healing like jasmine tea to refresh and recuperate body from sun stroke. It is used for decorations in occasions and for relieving stress.
Asiatic Jasmine – Features and Care Tips
Although the Asiatic jasmine is native to Japan and Korea, it is quite popular in Southeastern U.S. There is similar species commonly referred to as Climbing Dogbane native to U.S. The Asiatic jasmine grows low to ground and therefore makes an excellent ground cover. The plant is tolerant of dry conditions, avoids weeds better than most other plants and seldom suffers from pest problems. This hardy nature makes it easier to grow them in warm climates. This variety also shows its versatility by tolerating cold and drought and grows well in full sun or shade. Simple care and feeding tips are adequate to growing this variety of jasmine. The plant produces evergreen shiny leaves and blooms with tiny fragrant flowers during spring. The tops of these plants should be slightly exposed during cultivation. Water needs of this plant are average. Parts of this variety are poisonous when ingested.
Arabian Jasmine – Characteristics
Jasminum sambac or more popularly referred to as Arabian jasmine is a bushy vine with dark evergreen foliage and extremely fragrant white flowers. This variety of jasmine twines up on almost anything and even uses other plants to support their own growth. The specialty of this jasmine is that they bloom with a waxy white color and eventually move to a beautiful soft pink with time. This is a tropical plant and cannot survive in colder climates. The more sun this plant gets, the more beautifully they will flower. While the soil must be quite moist, it should not be soggy. Having a layer of mulch will ensure the plant grows well and water soluble quick release fertilizers and organic fertilizers like fish emulsion work well with this plant. Besides offering a sweet fragrance, they also add colorful touches to your home garden.