How to Grow Asiatic Jasmine
Asiatic jasmine, also known as Asian Jasmine, is a hardy low-growing variety of jasmine that is very easy to grow. In fact, it grows so easily that in some areas, Asian jasmine is considered an invasive plant and cultivating it in the home garden is discouraged. The spreading habit of Asiatic jasmine can choke out many other garden plants and, if left unchecked, it can make its way into natural areas and overcome native species. If you live near a wooded or open area check with your local agricultural department to learn more about the compatibility of Asian jasmine with the natural landscape. If it is a problem, consider growing non-invasive varieties like winter or crepe jasmine instead.
Asiatic jasmine is an attractive, pest- and disease-resistant groundcover with shiny, oval leaves of crisp green. Its small, star-shaped flowers have a pleasant scent that is sweet, but not as strong as star or Confederate jasmine. The flowers are small and can easily go unnoticed. It’s a perennial plant that reaches 6 to 18 inches high and spreads at least 3 feet. This variety of jasmine is a slow and steady grower until it becomes well established.
Select an open site with moist, well-drained soil. Once established, Asian jasmine can thrive in sun or shade with very little care, but plants that are started in compost-enriched soil and watered regularly have a better chance to thrive. If you do want to use Asiatic jasmine as a ground cover in an area of full sun, water new plants daily and provide temporary respite from hot afternoon sun with an umbrella or other artificial means. Bare slopes and shaded areas under established trees are perfect examples of sites for planting Asian jasmine.
Keep soil evenly moist for the first year after planting. Don’t neglect watering during winter months when soil can become extremely dry. After this period, the plants may only require supplemental water during the hottest weeks of summer.
Prune Asiatic jasmine in the late winter when plants are dormant. Trim with hedge clippers or mow the entire area with the blades at the highest setting. Propagate new plants with the healthiest clippings leftover from pruning. Strip leaves off of the bottom 3 to 4 inches of stem and immerse in a container of water. Plant the jasmine in 4-inch garden pots when the stem becomes well rooted and overwinter the plant indoors. Transplant into the landscape in the early spring after the threat of frost has passed. You can also dip the stripped ends of the clippings in growth hormone and plant them directly into pots filled with growing medium. Keep the plants indoors and transplant in the spring.
