The Mysore Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum ‘Mysore Mulli’) is an ornamental plant from Mysore, India, prized for its intense, sweet fragrance. It adds a captivating aromatic presence to any garden or indoor space.
Mysore Jasmine Characteristics
The Mysore Jasmine features delicate, star-shaped white flowers that typically bloom in clusters. Its pure white petals contrast with the plant’s dark green, glossy, ovate leaves. This jasmine exhibits a vining or bushy growth habit, reaching heights of 3 to 9 feet.
Caring for Mysore Jasmine
Light
Mysore Jasmine thrives in bright conditions, preferring full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water
Consistent moisture is important for Mysore Jasmine, though waterlogging should be avoided. The most reliable way to check is to feel the soil; if the top 1-2 inches feel dry, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. For outdoor plants, weekly watering is often sufficient, increasing frequency during hot, dry periods, while potted plants may require watering every 2-3 days in warm weather.
Soil
Mysore Jasmine prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic pH (5.5-7.0) is suitable for its growth. If your soil has poor drainage, incorporate compost or other organic amendments before planting.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant thrives in warm climates, with optimal temperatures ranging between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Mysore Jasmine is sensitive to frost and performs best in USDA Zones 9-11. Adequate humidity is beneficial; misting leaves or using a pebble tray helps maintain moisture levels.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season in spring and summer, Mysore Jasmine benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. For enhanced blooming, consider a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content, or use a thick layer of organic mulch for plants in the ground.
Pruning and Training Mysore Jasmine
Pruning maintains shape, encourages new growth, and promotes abundant flowering. The ideal time to prune is immediately after the main flowering period, typically in late summer, allowing the plant to develop new growth for the next season’s blooms. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems, as well as tangled or old shoots that no longer produce flowers. To encourage a bushier plant and more blooms, pinch out the top half-inch of new growth on young plants. For its vining habit, provide a sturdy support structure like a trellis or fence, gently tying new stems as the plant grows to guide its direction.
Propagating Mysore Jasmine
Propagate Mysore Jasmine using 4-6 inch stem cuttings. Remove lower leaves to expose nodes. Dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone enhances success rates. Plant the cutting into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. Maintain consistent moisture and provide bright, indirect light until roots establish, which can take several weeks.
Common Issues with Mysore Jasmine
Mysore Jasmine can encounter several issues, often signaled by changes in foliage or bloom production. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies like iron, nitrogen, zinc, or manganese. Pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs can infest the plant by sucking sap from leaves and stems, leading to distorted foliage, yellowing, or stunted growth. These pests often leave behind honeydew, which can encourage sooty mold. Fungal diseases like leaf blight, rust, and Fusarium wilt may also affect Mysore Jasmine, especially in warm, humid conditions, causing symptoms like reddish-brown spots, yellowish-orange pustules, or blackening roots leading to wilting. Ensuring proper watering and good air circulation can help prevent some of these issues.