Jasminum sambac - Arabian Jasmine

If the Jasminum sambac is better known as the Arabian Jasmine, it is undoubtedly due to the heady fragrance of its large white flowers, evoking all the warmth and sensuality of the Arabian Nights. Its origins are actually found in the Indian Himalayas, more precisely in Kashmir. And it is in China that its flowers are traditionally used to perfume the famous jasmine green tea with their extraordinary aroma. It is a tender bush, whose long climbing stems, unable to cling to a support on their own, must be trained. With its elegant dark green foliage, this mythical plant is capable of flowering almost all year round in a greenhouse or conservatory. In France, under favorable conditions, it retains its foliage in winter and blooms in open ground throughout the summer, perfuming a whole area of the garden or even a large terrace on summer evenings.

The Jasminum sambac belongs to the Oleaceae family. This botanical species is likely native to the valleys of Northeast India, which are governed by a subtropical climate. Not very hardy, perfectly adapted to the mildest Mediterranean climates, this jasmine is capable of regrowing from the stump after experiencing a brief frost of around -5°C (23°F), but at the expense of its appearance and flowering. It was probably introduced to Egypt in ancient times before spreading in cultivation to the hot regions of the Mediterranean basin.

This climbing bush will reach a height of about 2.50 m (8ft) to 3 m (10ft) in open ground under favorable conditions and will spread over 1 to 2 m (3 to 7ft). Its growth is rapid. In a container, its dimensions will remain much more modest. The flowering is long in cool soil and hot climate, lasting for at least three months from June to September, and then more sporadically throughout the year. The plant produces many clusters of 3 to 12 flowers with a diameter of 3 cm (1in), mainly at the end of the stems. Each flower is composed of a tube opening into 5 to 9 lobes, giving them a more or less double appearance. Their fragrance, both powerful, subtle, and complex, is recognizable among all. The vegetation of this jasmine consists of long flexible and supple stems that weave their way between the branches of neighboring plants. They are not twining and have no attachment system. The foliage persists more or less in winter; it consists of large elliptical leaves of variable size (up to 9 cm (4in) long and 6 cm (2in) wide), shiny dark green, grouped in threes. The stems become woody and light brown with age, devoid of leaves. The fruit is a round berry, black when ripe, with a diameter of 6 mm (0in).

In suitable climates, the Jasmin Sambac will climb the surrounding bushes, creating a surprising hedge, or can be trained on trellises, arches, pergolas, stair railings, or balconies. In all our regions, plant it in a container on a terrace so that it can be stored indoors during winter and to fully enjoy its wonderful fragrance. However, avoid placing it near a bedroom with an open window; some claim that its scent disrupts sleep and can cause headaches. For example, it can be associated, in open ground or in a pot on the terrace, with another climbing plant with a different flowering time, such as Clematis cirrhosa, Jasminum nudiflorum, or Ampelaster carolinianus.

Its highly fragrant flowers are used in perfumery, to scent tea, and are included in traditional remedies in Asia. The essential oil extracted from them is used both in perfumery and in cooking. The Jasmin Sambac is the national flower of Indonesia and the Philippines.