It’s that time of year again, when our Jasmine blooms profusely. They perfume the garden in the evening and early morning. Setting them up on the pool deck makes it easy for me to get to them and gives them full sun. The Jasmine “Maid of Orleans” (Jasminum sambac) are the ones that bloom before any other jasmines I grow. They bloom throughout the year but only sporadically when we keep them inside. I can see why they would be. They only get to enjoy the sun and heat outside for a few months a year. But they are nice enough to bloom even when they are stuck in our basement and only get artificial sunlight.
It’s a Zen moment when picking jasmine flowers. The smell calms you down; take a deep breath in and slowly let it out while you pick them. Enlightenment is within reach. On work days, I’m ready to deal with a crowded commute to the city again, in part because of how great Jasmine makes me feel.
Anyway, jasmine is not just good for it’s fragrance. The flowers can be used to freshen the air, as a garland, in cooking, or added to tea and drinking water. I put fresh jasmine flowers on top of water to make it smell great. The scent is very relaxing and cool in the summer. I mix the dry ones in tea to make jasmine tea from the mix.
Remember that you should only use the Maid of Orleans (Jasminum sambac), which is sometimes sold under different names, such as Arabian Tea Jasmine. This is the only one I know of that can be used in food. You should also make sure that the flowers weren’t sprayed with pesticide. You don’t want that in your tea. Growing jasmine is easy and you’re better off growing your own if you want to consume it too.
If you love the sweet scent of jasmine flowers, you should consider adding Maid of Orleans jasmine to your garden. With its profusion of delicately fragrant blooms, this elegant vine is a fabulous choice for gardeners who want gorgeous floral displays.
In this article, we will discuss tips for successfully growing and caring for Maid of Orleans jasmine. We’ll cover planting, watering, pruning, and more so you can have a thriving jasmine vine. Let’s get started!
Overview of Maid of Orleans Jasmine
Maid of Orleans jasmine (Jasminum sambac ‘Maid of Orleans’) is a flowering vine variety known for its vigorous growth habit and abundant blooms. Its scientific name comes from Jasminum sambac an Arabian jasmine species and Maid of Orleans refers to the specific cultivar.
This semi-evergreen vine can grow up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The oval leaves remain dark green year-round. From mid-spring through fall it produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped white flowers with a heavenly fragrance. A mature plant in ideal conditions can give you literally thousands of blossoms!
Maid of Orleans jasmine does best in full sun to partial shade and average moisture. It can handle a range of soil types. With proper care, this beauty can live for 30 years or more in the garden.
How to Plant Maid of Orleans Jasmine
When planting your Maid of Orleans jasmine, choose a spot that will give it vertical support to climb. Installing a trellis, pergola, or fence nearby provides the perfect structure. You can also grow it in a large container on a patio or deck.
Maid of Orleans jasmine thrives in zones 9-11 and can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates. If you live where winters get cold, you’ll need to overwinter it indoors over the winter as a houseplant.
Select a site with full sun to partial shade exposure. Morning sun is ideal. Well-draining soil enriched with compost is recommended. Space plants 3-4 feet apart. Dig a hole twice as wide as the container and deep enough so the top of the root ball will sit level with the soil surface.
Carefully remove the plant from its nursery pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly. Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture.
How to Care for Maid of Orleans Jasmine
Caring for your Maid of Orleans jasmine properly will keep it thriving. Here are the key care tips:
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Watering: Water deeply 2-3 times per week in the absence of rain. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
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Light: Full sun to partial shade is ideal. At least 4 hours of direct sun daily keeps it flowering strongly.
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Soil: Well-draining loam enriched with compost. Average fertility and neutral pH around 7.0.
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Temperature: Prefers warm weather. Does fine in heat but can’t withstand freezing cold. Move indoors if temps will dip below 40°F.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Stop feeding after September.
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Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape. Avoid heavy pruning that removes flower buds.
With the right care, your Maid of Orleans jasmine will reward you with armloads of sweetly scented blossoms! A little attention goes a long way.
Common Problems With Maid of Orleans Jasmine
Maid of Orleans jasmine is relatively pest and disease resistant when grown properly. But there are a few potential issues to look out for:
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Leaf spot fungus can cause brown spots on foliage. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves to prevent it.
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Aphids, whiteflies, and other sap-sucking insects may appear. Wash off with water or use insecticidal soap.
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Plants stressed by too much water or poor drainage can develop root rot. Allow soil to partially dry before re-watering.
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Cold winters below 40°F will damage and possibly kill unprotected plants. Bring indoors before frost hits.
Catching problems early and providing good care makes a big difference in keeping your jasmine healthy and happy in the landscape.
Tips for Getting Your Maid of Orleans to Bloom More
Maid of Orleans jasmine naturally offers prolific flowering. But here are some extra tips to maximize those beloved blossoms:
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Plant in full sun to increase blooms. Morning sun is ideal.
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Fertilize regularly during the growing season for vigorous growth.
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Prune immediately after flowering, but avoid heavy pruning that removes flower buds.
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Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Too much moisture reduces blooms.
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Bring indoors before frost to avoid cold damage to flower buds.
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Grow up a trellis or arbor so blooms are visible up close. Espalier against a wall.
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Talk to and smell the flowers often! Jasmine wants to make you happy.
With the proper care, your Maid of Orleans jasmine will reward you with hundreds of powerfully fragrant flowers. Follow these tips and enjoy!
Uses for Maid of Orleans Jasmine in the Landscape
Thanks to its vigorous growth, abundant blooms, and sweet scent, Maid of Orleans jasmine lends itself to several applications in the garden:
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Train up a pergola or arbor to create a floral ceiling overhead. Visitors will adore the heady fragrance.
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Espalier against a brick or stucco wall. It will cover the wall with flowers and scent.
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Grow over an entranceway or gateway. The dangling blossoms make a dramatic floral display.
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Plant near patios, decks, or benches so the aroma can be enjoyed up close.
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Grow in containers on a balcony or terrace for jasmine blooms right at hand.
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Mass in beds or borders for waves of flower color and texture.
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Use as a flowering hedge or privacy screen on fences or property lines.
Let your imagination run wild with ways to showcase gorgeous, fragrant Maid of Orleans in your own garden!
Enjoying Maid of Orleans Jasmine Year-Round
One of the delights of growing Maid of Orleans jasmine is that you can enjoy it indoors and outdoors almost year-round.
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During warm months, let it flower to its heart’s content in the garden. Sit outside and bask in the magical fragrance.
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In colder zones, dig up plants after the first fall frost and overwinter them indoors as houseplants.
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Place pots near sunny windows and provide adequate water. Some blooms will still appear!
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Take cuttings from outdoor plants in late summer. Root the cuttings and grow extras indoors.
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Plant in containers that can be easily moved between patio and indoors seasonally.
With a little seasonal care, this beloved jasmine vine brings joy all year long both inside and out.
Maid of Orleans jasmine is a sensational option for gardens across many climate zones. Give it a try – its lush growth, elegant flowers, and heavenly perfume will enhance your landscape or containers immensely. I hope these tips for successfully growing and enjoying this beautiful vine help you get started!
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FAQ
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