Crape Jasmine, botanically known as Tabernaemontana divaricata, is a popular ornamental plant celebrated for its fragrant flowers and lush, evergreen foliage. It is also known as Pinwheel Flower, East Indian Rosebay, and Paper Gardenia. This plant brings elegance and a pleasant aroma to gardens and landscapes.
Crape Jasmine Characteristics
Crape Jasmine grows as a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching 5 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. It features glossy, dark green, ovate leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, arranged oppositely along the stems. The waxy, white flowers, 1 to 2 inches in diameter, often have a pinwheel shape with five petals, though double-petaled forms exist. Known for their sweet fragrance, more noticeable at night, blooms are abundant in spring and summer and occur throughout much of the year in warm climates.
Growing and Caring for Crape Jasmine
Light Requirements
Crape Jasmine thrives in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth and abundant flowering. While it can tolerate partial shade, insufficient light may result in slower growth and reduced blooming.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal for Crape Jasmine. The plant prefers an acidic soil pH, typically ranging between 4.6 and 6.5. For container planting, a mix of garden soil, perlite, and compost in a 2:1:1 ratio can enhance drainage and nutrient availability.
Watering
During its active growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, requiring an adjustment to the watering schedule. Watering in the morning allows the plant to absorb moisture throughout the day, preventing nighttime waterlogging.
Fertilizing
Regular fertilization promotes healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or one high in phosphorus every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Fertilize in spring and summer, reducing frequency in fall and pausing during winter dormancy. Avoid over-fertilization; follow package instructions for accurate dosing.
Pruning
Pruning Crape Jasmine helps maintain its shape, control size, and encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms. The best time for pruning is in late spring or early summer, after the main blooming period. Removing dead or diseased branches first, followed by light thinning of interior branches, can improve air circulation and reduce pest issues.
Temperature and Hardiness
Crape Jasmine is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 68°F and 105.8°F (20°C to 41°C). It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10 through 11, where it can thrive outdoors year-round. In cooler climates, providing winter protection, such as bringing potted plants indoors or using frost covers, is necessary to shield them from cold temperatures.
Addressing Common Issues
Crape Jasmine can encounter common problems affecting its health. Yellowing leaves may signal overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies (nitrogen, iron, manganese). Adjusting watering and applying balanced fertilizer often resolves these.
Pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids can infest Crape Jasmine, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Fungal spots and wilting diseases, caused by pathogens, can also lead to drooping leaves and premature leaf drop. Proper watering and good air circulation help prevent fungal issues.
Lack of blooms often stems from insufficient light exposure. Over-fertilization with nitrogen, which promotes foliage growth over flowers, or a lack of phosphorus can also hinder blooming. Use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the blooming season to encourage more flowers.
Propagating Crape Jasmine
Propagating Crape Jasmine is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. The optimal time is late spring to early summer, when temperatures are consistently above 68°F (20°C). Select healthy semi-hardwood stems, 4-6 inches long, from new growth with leaves but no flowers.
Remove leaves from the bottom half and make a 45-degree cut just below a node. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone enhances root development. Insert the cutting into a well-draining, sterile planting medium (e.g., peat and perlite or sand). Consistent moisture and bright, indirect light encourage root formation, which typically occurs within 6-8 weeks.