Jasminum polyanthum

Jasminum polyanthum in the
Mediterranean Garden

The Mediterranean Garden is a constant source of sensory relief during our winter months.  Not only is it warm and providing of visual delights in the form of lush green plants and a variety of blooms and fruits, but it can also be an oasis of enticing scents.  Currently with the jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) coming into full bloom the air is filled with its strong fragrance.  

The long buds of the jasmine flower

The extensive evergreen vine is filled with long white delicate looking buds although this species is often known for having pink buds.  The star shaped white flowers are five-petalled and most aromatic in the morning and evening.  

The white flower has 5 petals

Jasminum polyanthum with the more
typical pink buds.

Jasmine belongs to the Oleaceae family which contains some members that we are quite familiar with, including lilacs and forsythia.  However all of the 200+ species of jasmine are native to tropical and warm temperate region with Jasminum polyanthum being native to China and Myanmar. With it belonging to hardiness zones 8 to 11 it can only be grown as a house plant in Canada.  In Australia and New Zealand it is often considered to be invasive due to the natural layering of its stems.

The name is derived from the Persian “yasmin” meaning “gift from god”  The true nature of this gift can be seen in the many aromatherapy applications with the species J. grandiflorum and J. officinale being used for extraction of the oils.  Benefits include acting as an antidepressant; relaxing nerves, relieving muscle spasms and cramping. Research has shown that smelling jasmine oil can also enhance mental alertness, and application to the skin increases elasticity to smooth the skin and also promotes healing.

So head on down to the Med House while this delightful plant is still in bloom.  Soak in the sights of the whole garden, but be sure to experience the scents of the jasmine.