Stephanotis floribunda - seeds

The Madagascar Jasmine is a perennial plant native to Madagascar where it grows in semi-shaded forests, clinging to tree branches. It needs a warm temperature (18 to 22°C (64.4 to 71.6°F)) and ambient humidity (50%), so it must be grown in a greenhouse or as an indoor plant.

Stephanotis floribunda or Stephanotis jasminoides is a twisting, lightly branched climber, with green and round stems winding around its support to climb higher and higher. It can reach 6m (20ft).

The 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long leaves, are thick, dark green, shiny and oval. They are marked by a slightly lighter large central vein. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem.

From spring to autumn, tubular white flowers with 5 spread-out lobes appear in the axils of the leaves in axillary clusters of 3 to 6. The thick and waxy flowers are highly fragrant with a powerful jasmine scent.

Grow Madagascar Jasmine in a warm greenhouse or indoors. Direct light should be avoided, in a greenhouse it will need to be shaded to prevent the leaves from being "burned". A soil mixture of two-thirds leaf compost and one-third ericaceous compost and bark will suit it perfectly. Water once or twice a week from spring to autumn, without allowing stagnant water in the saucer under the pot. In winter, only water when the soil is dry. Regularly spray the foliage with water to maintain an ambient humidity of around 50%.