JASMINUM grandiflorum

Always recognized as one of the most interesting species of the genus Jasminum, perennial and semi-deciduous, with a hybrid posture between a shrub and a climber, with rapid growth and Asian origins: when fully developed it can grow 4 m tall and its width may be almost identical. Well branched and lignified from the base, it has numerous stems, erect and slightly arched at the top, thin and sarmentose, sometimes twining, with initially light green and then silvery-grey bark; on these are applied in an opposite way, odd-pinnate compound leaves, formed by 5,7, or 9 dark green leaflets. From late summer and up to full autumn from the ends of the shoots, and also from the leaf axils of the apical parts of the branches, abundant loose inflorescences form large, if compared with those of other species of Jasminum, candid, but externally pink, starry flowers, with 5 petals with obtuse apex and with an intense perfume that seems to accentuate under the action of high summer temperatures: in autumn these are sometimes followed by blackish spherical fruits.

It prefers sunny positions or partial shade and fertile, rich in humus, basically humid soil, avoiding harmful stagnant water. It tolerates the proximity of the sea and the brackish winds of coastal areas, while in places characterized by intense and prolonged cold in winter it is good practice to choose a sheltered position or offer protection or shelter in a cool and bright environment. It does not tolerate periods of drought, especially if intense and prolonged, and it is preferable to ensure constant wetting in summer. In late spring, when it is possible to read signs of vegetative growth on the plant, it is advisable to intervene with the elimination of dry, broken, damaged or cluttered branches and with the shortening of the stems to allow more regular growth and more generous flowering. It is suitable to cultivation on terraces, verandas, balconies and hanging gardens generally in large containers, in the open ground in the garden it can be used as an isolated spot, as a cover for pergolas and gazebos or even as a ground cover for walls and trellises: in any case will be able to give a unique charm to every corner where it lives.