The Fragrant Bloom: Different Kinds of Jasmine Flowers, Their Uses and Meaning

Jasmine, with the taxonomy name of Jasminum, is a genus of around 200 species of fragrant-flowered shrubs and vines of the Oleaceae family. Although their appearance can vary by variety, the jasmine flower is generally a delicate and tiny flower with little petals that attract bees. It has a unique tropical scent and beautiful blossoms that attract bees all over the world. The flower of the jasmine plant is usually white, but there are other kinds like yellow or cream. Some jasmines are evergreen, which means they can keep green leaves all year long. It can be winter flowering, summer flowering, or even bloom most of the year. Tropical blooming jasmine blossoms thrive in sunnier climates. Jasmine plants are native to Eurasia, Australasia, and Oceania’s tropical and subtropical climates. South and Southeast Asia have the most diverse range of types. Even though jasmine plants thrive well in full light and in well-drained soil, some variety can bloom in the winter and grow outdoors in areas of North America. If you ever wanted to grow a jasmine plant, be mindful of the different varieties and make sure that it can grow well in your area.

Growing Jasmine

While not all jasmine plants are fragrant, the most popular ones emit a lovely, lingering scent. Jasmine plants are commonly vine with glossy green leaves, but some varieties work as ground covers or shrubs. There are a few aspects to consider when you want to grow a jasmine plant. An important aspect is to choose a warm and sheltered planting site and make sure that the soil is well-draining and moderately fertile. Because some of the vining types can grow to be 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall, they require a support system. A solid support such as a trellis or wires would be beneficial for the vines and it could be grown in a large pot or near a wall or fence. In the summer, feed weekly with a high-potash fertilizer, then mulch with well-rotted manure or leaf mould in the autumn. Plant care for jasmine is not difficult, but it does require attention. In the second year, prune or pinch off the tops of the vines to encourage branching, which will fill the trellis with bushy growth. The vining jasmine plant is susceptible to spider mites, and that can be combated with horticultural oil.

 

Different Types of  Jasmine

Jasmines have about 200 different species, with each slightly distinct feature to one another. The common jasmine, also known as Poet’s Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen vine that can reach 40 feet in length. It attracts butterflies and bees with its fragrant white flowers.

Another variety is the Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) which is an evergreen shrub or vine. It blooms in the evening with white, sweetly smelling flowers. Arabian Jasmine can reach a height of 3 to 9 feet.

The Royal or Spanish Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) is a deciduous-to-evergreen climbing shrub that grows up to 12 feet tall and is widely used in aromatic essential oils and perfumes.

The purple jasmine flower, also known as star jasmine, is a twining vine that blooms 2-inch flowers in the spring and summer. It can grow up to 20 feet as a vine, but it can also be used as a hedge, shrub, or ground cover on a smaller scale.

Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) is a rapidly growing, evergreen vine with a multitude of pinkish blossoms that can reach a height of 25 feet. Also having slight pink blossoms is Forest jasmine. It is a woody climber with dark green glossy leaves and beautiful pink-tinted white flowers. It is sturdy, with stems that can reach a diameter of more than 5 inches.

White Jasmine is an evergreen twining climber native to Burma and China. It has pinkish flower buds that burst into white star-like fragrant flowers in late winter to early spring. White Jasmine can grow to be 20–30 feet tall.

Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is an evergreen sub-shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall if trained on a trellis. Winter jasmine blooms late in the winter and is recognized for its bright yellow blossoms. Winter jasmine is a Chinese native that does not twine like other jasmines. As a result, it needs more pruning than other types. Also producing yellow flowers is the Italian or yellow Jasmine (Jasminum humile), which is a 15-foot, glossy-leaved evergreen that produces dark berries.

 

Jasmine Products and Uses

The highly renowned flower is very captivating because it has an abundance of uses. The majority of types have a distinct aroma that is very appealing even before they are picked. The scent of jasmine can be found in a myriad of products, including teas, candles, soaps, and lotions. Jasmine vines and shrubs can be grown in gardens, kept indoors as houseplants, and used in floral arrangements. Jasmine plays a role in herbalism and traditional medicine of multiple cultures. Many products derived from jasmine, such as jasmine oil, has been used in the perfume business, including aromatherapy and traditional medicine for generations. Jasmine is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to help with digestion, liver function, and blood replenishment. Herbalists use Jasminum officinale flowers to heal skin because they contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Also, to produce tea, dried jasmine flowers are often mixed with green, black, and oolong tea leaves. Jasmine gives a distinct aroma to food and beverages.

The Meanings and Symbolisms of Jasmine

Jasmine is derived from the Persian term “Yasmin”, which means “gift from God.” Jasmine also held much cultural significance for different cultures, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It is also the national flower of Pakistan. On their wedding day, the bride and groom both wear garlands of white jasmines and red roses. Jasmine and rose floral arrangements are frequently used to commemorate important occasions and burial garlands as a final farewell.

The jasmine flower is associated with happiness, sensuality, and warmth due to its fragrant, heady aroma and sweet, charming appearance. Jasmine can also convey your passionate feelings for someone and might make them feel special and significant. Jasmine is also associated with beauty, good fortune, purity, and innocence.