Orange Jessamine

Frost Tolerance: Semi hardy in Phoenix to 25°F ( -4°C)

Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: India to Malaysia, southeast Asia

Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub, 5 to 12 feet tall (1.5-3.6 m), 3-6 feet wide (0.9-1.8 m); pinnate leaves, 3 to 9 ovate leaflets

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings in summer under mist

Orange Jessamine (Murraya paniculata), U.S.D.A. Forest Service Collection, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

The Orange Jessamine is often sold as "Jasmine". I bought it as such, enjoying the fragrance and the small white flowers. I have to admit that it took me a while to figure out that the flower did not look at all like a real jasmine. Of course then, the difference is pretty obvious. The real jasmines have 3 stamens, and different number of petals.

Blooming Habits:
The very fragrant white flowers come in flushes at different times during the spring, summer, and fall.

Fruiting Habits:
Dark red to orange, oblong berries, up to 0.5 inch long (12 mm).

Culture:
The Orange Jessamine grows well in Phoenix, it enjoys regular feeding and a good soil. Keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly.