The Jasminum sambac, known as Kampupot, Sampaguita, or Arabian Jasmine, is a tropical shrub with intensely fragrant white flowers. These small, waxy blooms open in the late evening, releasing a sweet scent used in perfumes and jasmine tea. In the Philippines, the Sampaguita is the national flower, symbolizing purity, fidelity, and dedication. This guide details the requirements and care practices necessary to cultivate this prolific bloomer.
Establishing the Plant: Location, Soil, and Initial Setup
The Kampupot thrives in conditions that mimic its native tropical environment, with sun exposure being the single most important factor for robust flowering. Ideally, the plant requires a location that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, insufficient light will significantly reduce the number of blossoms the plant produces.
This shrub is a warm-weather plant that cannot withstand frost and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, requiring daytime temperatures consistently above 60°F. For planting, select a loose, humus-rich soil that drains well. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 6.0), as a higher pH can limit the availability of iron and other nutrients.
Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent water accumulation at the base. As a naturally vining shrub, the Sampaguita benefits from a trellis or support structure when young to guide its growth. In cooler climates, the plant must be brought indoors before the first frost and placed near a south or west-facing window to maximize light exposure.
Ongoing Care Routine: Watering and Fertilization
Consistent moisture is necessary for the Kampupot, as it is not drought-tolerant but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Saturate the soil thoroughly until water flows from the drainage holes, then discard any standing water in the saucer after 30 minutes.
During the active growing and blooming season (spring through fall), the plant requires a regular feeding schedule to support continuous flower production. Fertilization should focus on nutrients that encourage blooming, specifically higher levels of phosphorus and potassium. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer with a ratio like 10-30-10 or 7-9-5 every two to four weeks.
Alternatively, a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied to the soil surface every three months throughout the growing season. As temperatures drop and the plant enters dormancy, reduce both the frequency of watering and the application of fertilizer. This resting period helps the plant conserve energy for the next bloom cycle.
Pruning for Maximum Bloom
Pruning is necessary because the fragrant flowers only develop on new wood, requiring regular trimming to stimulate fresh growth. The best time for a substantial prune is immediately following a major flush of blooms or in late winter before the new growth cycle begins. Deadheading (pinching off spent flowers) encourages the plant to divert energy into producing more buds rather than setting seed.
For shaping and maintenance, trim back the long, leggy stems to a strong side shoot or leaf node. This technique promotes a bushier, more compact structure and ensures a dense canopy. If an older plant has become overgrown or woody, a hard prune, cutting the entire plant back by as much as one-third, can rejuvenate it and lead to a more vigorous bloom.
Troubleshooting Common Pests and Health Issues
The Sampaguita can suffer from common garden pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, which feed by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, often leaving fine webbing on the undersides of the leaves. A light infestation can be controlled by spraying the plant vigorously with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests.
For persistent problems, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural neem oil. Yellowing leaves, known as chlorosis, often signal a nutrient deficiency, most commonly iron, which is triggered by a soil pH that is too high. This issue can be corrected by applying a fertilizer that contains chelated iron to the soil.
If the yellowing is accompanied by wilting and mushy, black roots, the plant is likely suffering from root rot caused by chronic overwatering. Addressing root rot requires action: remove the plant from the pot, trim away all damaged roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil, adjusting the watering schedule to be less frequent. A lack of flowers, assuming the plant is healthy, indicates it is not receiving enough direct sunlight or sufficient phosphorus-rich fertilizer.