In Bend often the only scents that waft through the air are sagebrush and juniper. While fresh and astringent and reminiscent of our beautiful high desert landscape, we can’t be alone in wishing for a sweeter, more floral fragrance once in a while. And while we can plant lilac and honeysuckle in the spring, the scent is fleeting, as are the flowers. There does exist an intensely fragrant flowering vine that flowers for most of the year…indoors. This is Jasminum sambac, the Arabian Jasmine.

Arabian Jasmine is a delightful climbing shrub native to Bhutan and India and widely cultivated all over the world for its exquisite flowers that are commonly used in teas, perfumes and aromatherapy. They produce lovely, pure white double flowers reminiscent of a flouncy can-can skirt. In Southeast Asia, Jasmine flowers are strung onto a garland or wooden needle as an offering to the Buddha. Here in central Oregon, Jasmine makes a gorgeous and highly prized houseplant that is non-toxic and can bloom several times per year. Think of them when you need a gift for a gardener that seemingly has everything!

Jasminum sambac has a strong, upright growth pattern and waxy green leaves that bode well with regular pruning to encourage robust growth. We recommend waiting to prune until it’s done flowering, when all its energy can go into healing and putting out new growth. Jasmines should be bathed in indirect but strong sunlight for at least six hours and can be supplemented with a grow light in the winter. Flowering is not as common in the winter, as the plants need their buds to set and harden off for weeks of sublime scent in the spring and summer! Pick up some liquid plant food high in phosphorus to feed your Jasmine every few months in the spring and summer.

For optimal health, watering once a week is the sweet spot for jasmine. They need a pot with a few holes at the bottom and well-draining potting soil to prevent leaf drop. If you underwater, the leaves will lose their shine and quickly dry up.