How to Grow and Care for a Pink Jasmine Plant

Pink Jasmine, identified botanically as Jasminum polyanthum, is a vigorous evergreen vine celebrated for its floral displays. Native to China and Burma, this plant has rapid growth and dense, dark green foliage. Its most notable feature is the profusion of pink-tinged buds that unfurl into fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. This makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to cover structures like trellises or for use as a sprawling groundcover.

Pink Jasmine Care Guide

Light

For the most abundant flowering, Pink Jasmine should be grown in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While the plant can tolerate shadier conditions, its bloom production may be noticeably diminished. Providing at least six hours of direct sunlight per day encourages vigorous growth and a profuse display of flowers. When cultivated indoors, it performs best in a cool room near a window that provides bright, indirect light.

Soil

The ideal soil for this vine is one that is both moderately fertile and well-draining. Jasminum polyanthum is sensitive to overly wet conditions, which can lead to root health issues. A standard potting mix is suitable for container-grown specimens. For garden planting, heavy clay or sandy soils can be improved by incorporating organic matter like compost.

Water

Maintaining consistent moisture is important during the active growing season of spring and summer. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never waterlogged; allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings is a reliable guideline. Reduce watering frequency during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Temperature and Humidity

Pink Jasmine is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-10, where it can tolerate brief, light frosts but needs protection from hard freezes. When grown indoors or moved inside for winter, it prefers cooler household temperatures, between 60°F and 75°F (15-24°C). The plant also appreciates average to high humidity levels and may suffer in dry air from indoor heating systems.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, feeding the plant supports its rapid growth and flowering. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two to four weeks is recommended. Use a fertilizer formulated for houseplants at half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilizing. Feeding should be stopped in the fall and winter to allow the plant a natural rest period.

Pruning and Training

The vigorous nature of Jasminum polyanthum means regular pruning is necessary to control its size and maintain a desirable shape. Pruning also encourages a bushier habit and removes any dead or tangled stems, which improves air circulation through the plant.

The timing of pruning is specific. Prune the vine immediately after it has finished its main flowering cycle in late spring or early summer. This plant produces flowers on growth from the previous year, so pruning too late in the season, such as after August 1st, risks removing the wood that will carry the next year’s buds.

A hard pruning can be performed to rejuvenate an overgrown plant. Training involves guiding its flexible new stems onto a support structure like a trellis, fence, or arbor. Gently weaving the twining stems onto the support as they grow helps establish a strong framework and directs the plant’s growth.

How to Encourage Blooms

Sufficient light is one of the most impactful factors for a spectacular floral display. A location with at least six hours of daily sunlight will provide the energy needed for the plant to develop a high volume of flower buds.

A key requirement for setting buds is a cool winter rest period. The plant needs to experience four to five weeks of cooler nighttime temperatures, ideally between 40°F and 60°F (4-15°C). This period of dormancy is a direct trigger for initiating bud formation.

Proper fertilizing can also influence flowering. A formula that is lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus can be applied before the blooming season to encourage flower production over leafy growth. It is important to cease all fertilizing during the fall and winter.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Yellowing leaves on a Pink Jasmine are often a signal of a watering issue. The most common cause is overwatering or poorly draining soil, which leads to soggy roots. To address this, check the soil moisture before watering and ensure the pot has functional drainage holes.

A lack of flowers is another frequent concern, typically linked to three main factors. Insufficient sunlight is a primary reason, as the plant requires bright light to set buds. Pruning at the wrong time of year and the absence of a cool winter rest period can also prevent the plant from blooming.

Pests can occasionally become a problem, especially for plants grown indoors. Common culprits include aphids and spider mites, which feed on the plant’s sap. Aphids often cluster on new growth, while spider mites may create fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. These pests can often be managed with a strong spray of water or by applying insecticidal soap.