Growing Asian Jasmine
Asiatic jasmine is a great alternative to turf grasses as a ground cover, as it is much more tolerant to drought and shade. It even remains green after hard freezes that normally kill or discolor turf grass. It can also be grown in a variety of soils, though soil with a higher pH level than 8.0 will eventually affect the overall health of the plant. You will not be able to grow Asiatic jasmine by seed, but will need to purchase cuttings from a local nursery or from already existing plants in your yard.
Although it can tolerate sun, it is best to place Asiatic jasmine in the shade. This will increase its growth and ground cover rate.
Asiatic jasmine doesn't suffer from many pests or diseases. When using as a turf replacement, it will perform best with some level of fertilization input as well as mineralized water. However, this plant doesn't need to be watered regularly and should only be watered in the cases of severe droughts. If, in a month's time, your area does not receive adequate rainfall, then you should water. When fertilized, it responds well to most types, especially those with a high nitrogen content. It is suggested you fertilize them 3 to 4 times during their establishment and only once a year after it’s established.
Although easy to establish, it does require a bit of maintenance to ensure its continual health. Asiatic jasmine should be mowed but only when using the highest setting. Generally 3 to 4 inches should remain after you have mowed. Mowing allows for better air circulation because this type of plant becomes so thick that it begins to harbor bacteria that could eventually become so bad that it kills your plant.
Asiatic jasmine is also susceptible to other fungal diseases if it receives too much water and remains consistently wet. Therefore, it is important that you do not offer supplemental waterings and that the soil you plant it in drains well. This will prevent bacteria and fungi from finding a new home on jasmine.
Keep an eye on Asiatic jasmine, as it can become a vigorous grower and overrun your lawn. It rarely climbs horizontally but it will try if it is near trees. Trim it away when it begins to do this, as it will prevent the jasmine from doing harm to the base of the tree. Jasmine will also overrun sidewalks and paths. General maintenance will keep this problem under control. However, it is important that you do not let the problem become too severe because, as stated before, jasmine that is left free from maintenance will most likely develop unsightly diseases that will kill the plant.
Don't let all the talk of fungus and bacteria scare you. Jasmine rarely gets diseases on its own accord. It’s not nearly as susceptible as other plants, such as rose bushes, but, fungi and bacteria love moist, hot areas and if you provide them with the environment, they will come.
