19 Types of Jasmine Every Gardener Should Know About

Types of jasmine top our list when it comes to fragrant flowering plants as favorites. Whether you want the classic star jasmine climbing up a trellis or one of the many dwarf varieties spilling out of a pot, jasmine flowers offer a sweet aroma and easy care options.

We will explore 19 distinct jasmine varieties, from common jasmine to rarer jasmine species like angel wing jasmine. You’ll learn about jasmine flower types, how to identify different types of jasmine plants by leaf shape and flowering habits, and the best ways to grow and care for jasmine in your own yard or garden so you too can enjoy their intoxicating fragrance all season long!

Types of Jasmine To Fill Your Garden With Fragrance

1. Common Jasmine

Common jasmine is one of the most well known and commonly cultivated types of jasmine due to its abundantly fragrant white flowers that fill the air with a sweet scent in spring and summer.   

The vines of common jasmine grow rapidly and can climb walls, trellises, and even up tree trunks to form an arching canopy of foliage. The vines spread extensively through both shoots that arise from their roots and stems. This fast growth allows common jasmine to adapt well to different growing conditions.

Common jasmine thrives when planted in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The vines prefer well-draining soil that is neither too moist nor too dry. During periods of drought, the vines should be watered regularly but otherwise do not require frequent irrigation once established.   

Pruning is useful for encouraging optimal flowering and for controlling the overall size and shape of common jasmine vines. Since the vines typically flower on new growth, pruning away older stems encourages growth of fresh vines that will produce more abundant blooms. Pruning can also improve light penetration and airflow among thickly foliaged vines.  

Pruning of common jasmine is best done either in early spring before new growth begins or in late winter after leaf drop. Circulating air flow helps reduce fungal issues that can develop among dense growth.      

With little care beyond providing adequate sun, soil, and water, common jasmine thrives as a fast-growing vine valued for its fragrant white spring and summer flowers. Regular pruning helps maximize flowering, control the vine’s size and shape, and maintain plant health.

2. Winter Jasmine

Winter jasmine is an evergreen shrub prized for its profusion of sweetly fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in fall and winter when many other plants are dormant. The glossy green leaves and dense, compact habit of winter jasmine make it a good choice for hedges, borders, and foundation plantings. The year-round foliage provides visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.   

Winter jasmine thrives when planted in full sun, though it can also tolerate partial shade, particularly in warmer climates. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is evenly moist but not soggy or waterlogged. Proper soil drainage is key to avoiding root rot issues.  

The fragrant yellow flowers of winter jasmine emerge directly from older wood on the branches, not from new growth. Pruning can be done right after flowering has finished in order to maintain a compact shape and encourage growth of fresh stems and leaves. However, avoid heavy or severe pruning since winter jasmine tends to flower on one and two-year-old stems.   

For the most abundant bloom display, winter jasmine should be fed in early spring and again in midsummer. Fertilizer applications timed to coincide with major growth flushes will energize the plant and fuel future flowering. Winter jasmine is prized as an evergreen shrub for its copious fragrant yellow blooms that appear when few other plants are flowering.

Its year-round glossy foliage, dense habit, and adaptability make winter jasmine a versatile landscape plant. Though requiring full sun for maximum bloom, winter jasmine can also thrive with some afternoon shade. Proper pruning, fertilizing, and ensuring adequate drainage will help optimize flowering and ensure the health of this winter-blooming treasure.

3. Jasminum Sambac

Jasminum sambac, also called Arabian jasmine, is a common garden jasmine species valued for its extremely strong and flowery fragrance. It produces clusters of white flowers throughout spring and summer that fill the air with an intoxicatingly sweet perfume.

Jasminum sambac is often used in perfumes and essential oils due to the intensely sweet smell released when its leaves or flowers are crushed. The scent has been prized for centuries and jasmine essential oil remains popular in aromatherapy.

This type of jasmine grows as a climbing vine and requires a trellis, stakes, or wireframe for support as it can reach heights up to 10 feet. The vine produces thin but strong shoots that wind their way around the support structure.

Jasminum sambac thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The plant requires regular watering during the first year until it becomes established. Once the vines mature, they are fairly drought-tolerant.

4. Pink Jasmine

Pink jasmine produces clusters of vibrant pink funnel-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The sweetly fragrant blooms appear from spring through fall, rivaling the fragrance of white jasmine flowers.   

Pink jasmine, also known as Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum), grows well as a spreading evergreen shrub or groundcover in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. It thrives in hot, humid conditions with regular watering and pruning to maintain a dense, bushy shape.

This jasmine prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The shrub grows best in moist, well-draining soil that is kept consistently damp but not soggy or waterlogged. Proper soil drainage is important to avoid root rot issues.   

Pink jasmine requires regular pruning to prevent it from becoming leggy and sparse. Pruning stimulates growth of fresh stems that will produce the most abundant display of flowers. Pruning is best done right after it finishes flowering in late fall or early winter. Removing any dead or diseased wood at this time also helps optimize bloom production the following spring.

To maximize flowering, pink jasmine should be fed in early spring and again in midsummer. Fertilizer applications timed to coincide with major growth flushes will fuel profuse bloom production. Staking the stems if needed provides support for the weight of the abundant flowers.   

Pink jasmine makes an attractive addition to South Florida landscapes with its vivid funnel-shaped blooms that appear over a long season. Though happiest in full sun, this jasmine can adapt to some shade with regular water, pruning, and fertilizing. Few shrubs rival pink jasmine for its eye-catching flowers, fragrance, and ability to attract wildlife like hummingbirds and butterflies.

5. Star Jasmine

Star jasmine gets its name from its star-shaped white or yellow flowers that bloom abundantly from spring through fall. The sweetly fragrant flowers and glossy green leaves make this jasmine an ideal choice for use as a climbing vine or spreading groundcover.

Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) prefers warm, sunny locations and needs regular water while it’s establishing. Once established, the plant is fairly drought tolerant but will flower most prolifically with regular irrigation.

During colder months, cut back long, spindly vines to maintain a denser, hardier shape. Pruning also stimulates new growth that will produce more flowers the following spring. Stake or trellis star jasmine to encourage vertical growth and allow airflow among the vines.

Star jasmine thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones seven through 10. In colder climates, the vines may die back to the ground during winter and resprout in spring. Gardeners provide some insulation and protection from harsh winter conditions.

With continual bloom, fragrant flowers, and adaptability to different growing conditions, star jasmine offers many benefits as a landscape plant. The star-shaped flowers resemble tiny fireworks that light up the garden from spring to fall. Regular irrigation, pruning, and staking or trellising will help maximize its aesthetic and aromatic appeal.

6. Cape Jasmine

Cape jasmine (Gardenia Augusta) produces fragrant white flowers that bloom throughout the year. The glossy green leaves and ability to spread rapidly make it a popular choice for screening, hedging, and groundcover.

Cape jasmine grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 as a spreading evergreen shrub. In colder climates, it may die back to the ground during winter and resprout in spring.

Cape jasmine prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The shrub grows best in moist, well-draining soil. It requires regular watering during dry periods but otherwise is fairly drought tolerant once established.

Prune Cape jasmine only after flowering in spring to maintain a compact shape and maximize bloom. Removing about one-third of older stems will stimulate new growth and more flowers. Avoid heavy pruning, as blooms form on both old and new growth.

Cape jasmine is prone to pests and diseases in humid environments. Spraying neem oil can help control aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Good air circulation also helps reduce pest issues.

7. Dwarf Jasmine

Dwarf jasmine varieties feature compact, mounding habits that make them ideal choices for container gardening or planting in narrow spaces. Their low, spreading growth form and ability to produce an abundance of fragrant flowers from spring through fall provide a big impact despite their small stature.

Dwarf jasmine grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. In colder areas, prune back stems after flowering or in late fall to prepare plants for winter. Apply a light layer of mulch to protect the roots during colder months.

During the growing season, water dwarf jasmine varieties regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. The shrubs benefit from consistent moisture levels without excessive fluctuations in wetness or dryness.

Dwarf jasmine is prone to damage from pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly check the stems and leaf undersides for signs of infestation and treat problems promptly. Removing infested leaves and stems during pruning can also help reduce pest populations.

For container growing, use a well-draining potting mix and plan to repot dwarf jasmine every two to three to accommodate the plant’s increased size. Fertilize monthly during the growing season to keep the shrubs vigorous.

8. Italian Jasmine

Italian jasmine (Jasminum humile) is valued for its fragrant white flowers that bloom from spring through fall. The sweet scent and ability to produce abundant blooms make it a favorite for gardens.

The glossy green leaves and twining vine habit make Italian jasmine ideal for covering arbors, trellises, or trailing from hanging baskets. The vines can grow to over 20 feet long if provided with sufficient support.

Italian jasmine thrives in partial shade and requires regular water and pruning to promote optimum bloom. The vines benefit from consistent moisture, especially during flowering, without allowing the soil to become soggy.

Deadheading spent flower clusters is important to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season. Simply remove the fading blooms along with a short length of stem below each flower cluster.

Pruning Italian jasmine immediately after flowering in spring or early summer stimulates new growth that will produce more blooms. Cutting back long, spindly stems by one-third also helps maintain a fuller vine.

9. Wing Jasmine

Wing jasmine (Plumbago auriculata) gets its common name from the flared, winged petiole that joins each leaf to the stem. These leaf wings give the foliage an attractive shape that provides visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.

Wing jasmine produces fragrant white flowers in spring and summer that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers appear in terminal clusters at the ends of branches. This jasmine grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 9a through 11 as a semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub with arching or cascading branches. Wing jasmine prefers partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil.

Prune wing jasmine right after flowering to control its size and shape. Removing about one-quarter of the oldest stems will stimulate new growth and encourage more blooms the following spring.

Wing jasmine thrives in containers where it can be given dappled shade and regular watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings but do not allow it to become completely dry. Apply a granular fertilizer or foliar spray monthly during the growing season.

Pests like spider mites and scale insects may affect wing jasmine in dry or nutrient-deficient conditions. Promptly remove infested foliage and increase humidity levels to help mitigate problems.

With attractive leaves, fragrant flowers, and a dense, spreading habit, wing jasmine makes an excellent landscape accent or container specimen. Its sizable blooms and lush growth habit provide beauty and aroma until the first frosts of winter.

10. Angel Wing Jasmine

Angel wing jasmine (Scutellaria repens) features fragrant white flowers and distinctive leaves with prominent wings on each petiole. The common name refers to the flared, wing-like shape of these leaf stalks.

The spreading habit and arching branches of angel wing jasmine bear glossy green foliage that pairs well with the white, tubular flowers. The sweet fragrance released by the blooms adds sensory appeal.

Angel wing jasmine grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 as a semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub or vine, depending on the cultivar. The vines can sprawl along the ground or climb lattices or trellises.

Provide angel wing jasmine with dappled shade, consistent moisture, and periodic pruning to maintain a compact shape. The shrub benefits from even moisture levels, especially while flowering, but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.

Prune angel wing jasmine after peak bloom in spring or early summer to encourage additional flowers. Removing about one-quarter of the oldest stems will stimulate new growth for the next flowering cycle. Avoid heavy pruning as blooms form on both old and new wood.

11. Spanish Jasmine

Spanish jasmine features showy white flowers that bloom throughout the year. The evergreen glossy foliage forms an arching, mounding shrub with spreading branches. 

Spanish jasmine is valued for its drought tolerance and adaptability to poor soils. Prune only after flowering to maintain shape. Provide consistent moisture while the plant is young to help establish deep roots. The fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to the garden.

12. White Jasmine

White jasmine (Jasminum officinale) produces clusters of sweetly fragrant white flowers from spring through fall. The perfume released by the blossoms carries on the air for several feet, filling surrounding areas with its heady aroma.

The twining stems and glossy green leaves of white jasmine make this vine ideal for covering trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences. The stems cling tightly to supports and produce abundant flowers when provided with sufficient space to grow.

White jasmine thrives with regular pruning, consistent soil moisture, and partial shade. The vines benefit from even moisture levels, especially during flowering, without allowing the soil to become soggy.

Deadheading spent blooms is important to encourage additional flowering throughout the growing season. Simply remove the faded flower clusters along with a short length of stem below each one.

13. Jasminum Polyanthum

Jasminum polyanthum, also called fairy jasmine or winter jasmine, produces clusters of intensely fragrant star-shaped white flowers in spring and summer. The sweet perfume released by the blossoms carries on the air for several feet, filling surrounding areas with its heady fragrance.

The glossy green foliage of Jasminum polyanthum forms a twining vine that can climb trellises and walls or cascade over containers and rock walls. The stems cling tightly to supports and produce abundant flowers when provided with sufficient space to grow.

Jasminum polyanthum is tolerant of both heat and cold, thriving in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. In zone 8, the vines go dormant in winter during their coldest range.

14. Jasminum Mesnyi

Jasminum mesnyi produces fragrant white flowers with yellow centers that bloom in profusion from spring through summer. The common name primrose jasmine refers to the resemblance of these blooms to primrose flowers in shape, color, and timing of bloom.

The glossy green leaves of Jasminum mesnyi form an arching, sprawling shrub habit. The spreading branches have a tendency to cascade down slopes or over walls. Jasminum mesnyi grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10 as an evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub. The plant prefers dappled shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Prune Jasminum mesnyi only after flowering has finished, typically in early summer. Removing about one-quarter of the oldest stems will stimulate new growth and encourage more blooms the following spring. Avoid heavy pruning as flowers form on both old and new growth.

15. Jasminum Nitidum

Jasminum nitidum produces fragrant white flowers with yellow centers in winter and spring. The common name, winter jasmine, refers to the timing of bloom. The glossy green leaves of Jasminum nitidum form an arching, spreading shrub habit. The branches have a tendency to cascade naturally down slopes or over walls.

Jasminum nitidum thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 as an evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub. The plant prefers dappled shade or partial sun and consistently moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Prune Jasminum nitidum only after flowering has finished, typically in late spring. Removing about one-quarter of the oldest stems will stimulate new growth and encourage more blooms the following season. Avoid heavy pruning as flowers form on both old and new growth.

Provide Jasminum nitidum with consistent soil moisture to maximize bloom production. The shrub benefits from even moisture levels, especially during flowering, without soggy or excessively dry conditions.

16. Lemon-Scented Jasmine

Lemon-scented jasmine (Jasminum officinale ‘Fiona Sunrise’) produces fragrant yellow flowers that emit a strong lemon scent when in bloom. The aroma of the crushed foliage is particularly intense, mimicking the fragrance of fresh lemons.

The glossy green foliage of lemon-scented jasmine forms a dense evergreen shrub or vine, depending on the cultivar. The sprawling habit allows the plant to cascade over walls and climb trellises.

Lemon-scented jasmine grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 with warm temperatures year-round. The shrub benefits from regular pruning, consistent soil moisture, and fertile, well-draining soil.

Deadheading spent flowers on a regular basis helps encourage additional blossoms throughout the growing season. Simply remove the faded flower clusters along with a short length of stem below each one.

The strongly aromatic foliage of lemon-scented jasmine repels many insects when crushed due to the high levels of citral and various terpenes it contains. The intense lemony fragrance also serves as a natural air freshener when the plant is in bloom.

17. Jasminum Volubile

Jasminum volubile features fragrant white flowers and twining stems that allow it to climb walls, trellises, and other structures for support. The common names annual jasmine and twining jasmine refer to this vine’s vigorous climbing growth habit.

The glossy green leaves of Jasminum volubile form a dense evergreen vine best suited for USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. The plant requires consistently warm temperatures year-round to thrive. Jasminum volubile benefits from regular pruning, consistent soil moisture, and fertile, well-draining soil. The twining stems produce abundant flowers when provided with sufficient space to grow vertically.

The fragrant white blooms of Jasminum volubile attract butterflies and hummingbirds when in season. The perfume released by the blossoms carries on the air for several feet. Provide a sturdy support system for this climbing jasmine such as a strong trellis, lattice, or chain-link fencing. The vine will cling tightly to the structure using small tendrils that develop opposite the leaves.

18. Cestrum Nocturnum

Cestrum nocturnum, also known as night-blooming jasmine, produces fragrant white flowers that open in the evening and release a strong, sweet scent at night. The common name refers to the timing of bloom and the intensely aromatic perfume released during darkness.

The evergreen, glossy foliage of Cestrum nocturnum forms a dense, twining vine habit with ascending branches. The stems cling to supports and produce abundant flowers when provided with sufficient space to grow.

Cestrum nocturnum grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, requiring consistently warm temperatures year-round. The vine benefits from support for its climbing habit such as trellises, lattice, or chain-link fencing.

Consistent soil moisture, fertile growing medium, and regular pruning encourage abundant flower production in night-blooming jasmine. The vines benefit from even moisture levels without allowing the soil to become soggy or excessively dry.

19. Jasminum Multiflorum

Jasminum multiflorum produces fragrant white flowers with yellow centers in spring and summer that emit a heady perfume. The common name star jasmine refers to the star-shaped blossoms.

The glossy green leaves of Jasminum multiflorum form an arching evergreen shrub habit with ascending branches that angle upwards. The arching stems allow the shrub to naturally cascade over slopes and walls.

Jasminum multiflorum grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, requiring consistently warm temperatures year-round to thrive. The shrub benefits from regular pruning, consistent soil moisture, and a rich, organic growing medium.

Amend planting holes generously with organic material such as compost to improve soil fertility and water retention. Fertilize Jasminum multiflorum in early spring to fuel maximum growth and bloom production.

Conclusion

Whether climbing a trellis, spilling from a basket, or filling the air with their sweet perfume, jasmines can transform any outdoor space into an oasis. 

• Cestrum nocturnum, also known as night-blooming jasmine, produces fragrant white flowers that open in the evening and release a strong, sweet scent at night.

• Royal jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) produces clusters of sweetly fragrant white flowers from spring through fall.

• Winter jasmine is an evergreen shrub that produces a profusion of sweetly fragrant yellow flowers in fall and winter when other plants are dormant. 

The variety of jasmine types allows you to find the perfect match for your climate, aesthetic preferences, and growing conditions. With a little care and the right location, any of these jasmines can bring you hours of enjoyment for many years to come. So go ahead and select your favorite jasmine and let its intoxicating fragrance transport you to a place of calm and tranquility all season long!