Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)

Arabian Jasmine is a top pick for us along north-facing walls and in courtyards/patios. It’s a beautiful evergreen shrub/vine that can be pruned into a small tree or hedge, and the fragrance is unmatched.

Mature Canopy Size

4–8 ft wide, 4–10 ft tall (can be trained as hedge, vine, or small treelet)

Growth Rate

Moderate to fast — 1–2 ft per year with irrigation

Water Requirements (Minimum vs. Maximum Growth)

• Minimum: Moderate — not desert-adapted, requires regular watering

• For Maximum Growth & Blooms: Deep irrigation 1–2x per week during hot months ensures lush foliage and frequent flowering

Ecological & Functional Benefits

• Highly fragrant flowers — used in teas, perfumes, and cultural ceremonies

• Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies

• Evergreen foliage provides year-round greenery in Phoenix landscapes

Edible / Harvest Season / Nutritional Benefits

Yes — flowers are edible and commonly used to flavor teas (e.g., jasmine tea)

• Harvest: Blooms spring through fall, often year-round in warm climates

• Nutrition: Adds fragrance, antioxidants, and calming aromatherapeutic qualities rather than significant nutrients

• Maximizing Quality: Pick blooms in the morning as they open for the strongest fragrance and best flavor

Minimum Chill Hours

None — tropical/subtropical species adapted to frost-free climates

Maintenance Requirements

Moderate — prune lightly after bloom cycles to shape and encourage more flowers
Can be grown as shrub, trained into a vine, or clipped as a fragrant hedge

Thorny or Not?

No

Deciduous or Not?

Evergreen in Phoenix with proper irrigation and frost protection

Root System

• Fibrous and generally non-invasive

• Safe near patios, walkways, and foundations if adequately watered

• Container-friendly, making it versatile for tight courtyards or entryways

• Not destructive to hardscaping or pools

Native Range

Native to tropical Asia, especially India and Southeast Asia. Widely cultivated in warm climates worldwide as an ornamental and for its highly fragrant flowers.

Miscellaneous Notes

• National flower of the Philippines (“Sampaguita”) and Indonesia

• Needs frost protection in colder parts of the Valley (cover or grow in pots)

• Best placed near patios, doors, or windows where fragrance can be enjoyed

• Does well in morning sun/afternoon shade; avoid full reflected western exposure

Questions about the Arabian Jasmine?

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