Arabian Jasmine

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 3-6 feet
Spread: 3-6 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade

Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac): A Fragrant Addition to Arizona Landscapes

Arabian Jasmine, or Jasminum sambac, is a beautiful flowering shrub known for its captivating white blooms and intoxicating fragrance. Native to Southeast Asia, this jasmine variety is well-suited for Arizona’s warm climate and can bring an exotic, sensory appeal to desert gardens. With its elegant flowers and rich scent, Arabian Jasmine is a charming choice for creating aromatic outdoor spaces.

Key Features of Arabian Jasmine

• Exquisite Blooms: The small, star-shaped, pure white flowers of Arabian Jasmine appear in clusters, creating a lush display. These blooms are highly fragrant, with a sweet, heady aroma that intensifies in the evening. This makes Arabian Jasmine ideal for outdoor seating areas, evening gardens, or patio spaces where the fragrance can be fully appreciated.

• Bushy Growth: Arabian Jasmine typically grows 3 to 6 feet in height and width, forming a dense, well-rounded shrub. The lush, dark green leaves add visual contrast to the pristine white flowers, making it an attractive focal point in any garden.

Growing Requirements and Care

Arabian Jasmine is hardy and can thrive in Arizona’s desert landscape with a few key care considerations:

• Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. In Arizona’s intense sunlight, partial shade may help prevent foliage scorch and prolong blooming during the hottest months.

• Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Arabian Jasmine can tolerate various soil types, but it’s important to prevent waterlogging. Incorporating organic matter can improve soil structure, promoting healthy root growth.

• Watering: While Arabian Jasmine is resilient, it prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Watering deeply and regularly, especially in Arizona’s dry climate, will encourage abundant blooms and prevent the plant from drying out.

• Fertilization: A balanced fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season will support healthy growth and abundant flowering.

• Pruning: Prune Arabian Jasmine after flowering to maintain its shape and remove dead or overgrown branches. Light pruning encourages bushier growth and keeps the plant looking tidy.

Landscape Uses

Arabian Jasmine brings fragrance and charm to various landscape designs:

• Scented Gardens: Planting near patios or seating areas allows the fragrance to be enjoyed up close, especially in evening settings.

• Container Gardening: Arabian Jasmine can thrive in containers, allowing for easy relocation around outdoor spaces or for winter protection in cooler areas.

• Hedges and Borders: When planted in groups, Arabian Jasmine can create a low, fragrant hedge that provides both privacy and beauty.

Summary

Arabian Jasmine is an enchanting shrub perfect for Arizona landscapes, with its delicate white blooms, rich fragrance, and resilience in warm climates. Its low-maintenance requirements and evening scent make it ideal for gardeners seeking a blend of elegance and sensory delight in their outdoor spaces. This versatile plant can bring year-round charm to gardens, patios, and more, making it a treasured addition to the desert environment.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Arabian Jasmine

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soil)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for growth and proper air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: This plant may need light staking or support if grown as a vine, especially during the early stages of growth

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks to establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Arabian Jasmine is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing steady new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hot months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks, depending on rainfall. Arabian Jasmine is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters around the base of the plant, approximately 6-12 inches away from the stem. This ensures the water reaches the root zone without wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal issues.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters that provide a slow, steady flow of water (1-2 gallons per hour per emitter). This allows the water to deeply penetrate the soil, promoting deep root growth.
• Number of Emitters: For mature plants, use 2-3 emitters per plant, depending on the size of the root system. You can adjust the number of emitters as the plant grows.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for the Arabian Jasmine along with other low water usage plants. This will allow you to adjust the watering schedule and amount specifically for these types of plants.
• Adjusting Frequency: During peak summer, you may need to increase the frequency of watering but keep the duration short to avoid over-saturation. In cooler months, reduce the watering duration to every 2-3 weeks.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Regularly check the soil moisture. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Arabian Jasmine prefers slightly dry conditions and well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool, but avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s stem.