Crape Jasmine

Location

Butterfly Garden

  • Common Name: Crape Jasmine
  • Scientific Name: Tabernaemontana divaricata
  • Family Name: Apocynaceae
  • Origin: Southeast Asia
  • Height: 5 to 10 ft
  • Width: 3 to 6 ft
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Zone: USDA Zones 10 through 11
  • Light needs: Full sun to part shade.
  • Salt tolerance: Low
  • Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers an organically rich, well-drained soil with an acidic pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
  • Moisture: Moderate water needs – soil should be uniformly moist.
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate
  • Pests/Diseases: Occasional scales, mites, mold, and nematodes.
  • Growing conditions: This plant should be grown in a sunny or slightly shady area. Water regularly until it is established. Once established it requires less watering, but the soil should remain moist. This plant needs acidic soil and will require supplemental fertilizers if the soil is alkaline.
  • Characteristics: This shrub can be left alone to grow tall, or trained into a more compact, short bush. Leaves are oblong and glossy with prominent pinnate venation and grow oppositely. The flowers grow in clusters of 5 to 10 at the ends of stems. These flowers are bright white with five petals growing in a pinwheel-like shape. The flowers often have a sweet aroma. The fruits are inconspicuous pods.
  • Propagation: By cuttings.
  • Wildlife: The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. The fruits attract birds.
  • Designer considerations: This plant is an excellent foundation plant and is great near porches and walkways due to its pleasant aroma. It can be trained into a hedge that makes a beautiful border next to buildings and walkways.
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