A glossy-leaved evergreen famed for flushes of intensely fragrant white flowers resembling orange blossom, followed by red berries. A popular dense hedge in warm-climate gardens, but frost-tender.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Orange Jessamine
Botanically, Murraya paniculata is a fast-growing shrub in the Rutaceae family. It reaches around 3 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Orange Jessamine
Orange Jessamine suits tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Orange Jessamine does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Orange Jessamine does best with regular, moderate watering. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Orange Jessamine after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Orange Jessamine in the garden
Orange Jessamine earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, its fragrance, clipping into topiary and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Orange Jessamine with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Orange Jessamine
Plant Sale lists Orange Jessamine as potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
