The jasmine flower (Jasminum) is widely recognized for its star-shaped blooms and powerful scent. While white dominates public perception, exemplified by species like common jasmine (J. officinale) and Arabian jasmine (J. sambac), the approximately 200 species within the genus display a notable spectrum of colors.
The Spectrum of Colors in True Jasmine
The classic image of jasmine is defined by the white petals of species prized for fragrance. Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale), or poet’s jasmine, produces clusters of pure white flowers that may emerge from pink-tinged buds. Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac), used for tea and garlands, features white, intensely fragrant blooms that sometimes fade to a delicate pink as they age.
The second most prominent color is yellow. Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a prime example, displaying canary-yellow flowers on bare stems before its leaves emerge. Italian jasmine (Jasminum humile) and primrose jasmine (Jasminum mesnyi) also offer vibrant, buttercup-yellow flowers.
Beyond white and yellow, a few true jasmines introduce pink and reddish hues. Pink jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) has distinctly pink buds, though the fully opened flowers are white. Red jasmine (Jasminum beesianum), native to China, is a notable exception that produces pink to reddish-pink flowers.
Decoding the Fragrance Connection
The correlation between color and fragrance is a consistent pattern among Jasminum species. The most powerfully scented varieties are white, cultivated for use in perfumes and essential oils. The intense, sweet aroma of white jasmine is a defense mechanism developed to attract nocturnal pollinators, making visibility secondary to scent.
Conversely, most yellow-flowered jasmines, such as winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum), have little to no fragrance. Since these varieties often bloom during the day or in cooler months, they rely more on visual attraction than nocturnal pollinators. This suggests a biological trade-off where resources are directed toward pigment production rather than aromatic compounds. Even red jasmine (J. beesianum) is not as widely prized for its aroma as its white-flowered relatives.
Plants Commonly Mistaken for Jasmine
Confusion regarding jasmine color often stems from unrelated plants commonly given the name “jasmine” due to their appearance or fragrance. These “false jasmines” belong to different botanical families and feature a distinct range of colors. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), a popular evergreen vine, has highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers but is not true jasmine.
Carolina Jasmine or Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is another common misnomer. This twining vine produces masses of butter-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is distinct from true jasmine and is known to be toxic, making correct identification important.
Cape Jasmine is a colloquial name for the Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides). This shrub is known for its large, waxy white flowers. These powerfully fragrant blooms are initially white but gradually change color, aging to a yellowish-cream shade.