Orange Jasmine: Curiosities, How to Care and Photos

The orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata), also known as mock orange, is an exotic and enchanting plant belonging to the Rutaceae family.

Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of China, India, and Southeast Asia, Murraya paniculata has won the hearts of gardening enthusiasts and landscapers around the world.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics that make this plant a great choice for hedges and landscaping.

From its small, fragrant flowers to its resistance to different climate conditions, keep reading to learn more about the orange jasmine.

Table of Contents

Plant Characteristics

Murraya paniculata is known for its small, white, fragrant flowers that resemble a mix of orange blossom and jasmine. These charming flowers are clustered and are in full splendor all year round.

Its evergreen leaves (remain green all year round) are a spectacle in themselves, with their dark, shiny green. They are pinnate, with 3 to 10 small leaflets, measuring 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) in length and about 2.0 centimeters (0.8 inches) in width.

Its fruits are small and attractive to birds, which play a crucial role in the dispersion of its seeds.

As you will see later in the article, orange jasmine is a versatile plant when it comes to climate and soil. It thrives in warm and humid climates, but is also tolerant of moderate cold, as long as there are no frosts.

Below are other interesting facts and characteristics about this plant:

Longevity: orange jasmine has a remarkable longevity, being able to live for more than 60 years.
Medicinal uses: its leaves, bark, and fruits are used to treat a variety of conditions, from diarrhea to stomach aches. (Consult a doctor before using any plant for treatment).
Ability to attract butterflies and birds: its fragrant flowers and small fruits are a true feast for wildlife, making it a valuable addition to any natural environment.
Banned in Florida: Orange jasmine has been banned in Florida due to its ability to host the bacteria that causes citrus greening, a devastating disease for citrus crops (source).
Many popular names: in Portuguese, it is known as Murta de cheiro, Murta Jasmim or Jasmim Laranja. In Spanish, it is known as Jazmín naranja, Naranjo jazmín, Murraya or Azahar de la India. In English, people call it orange jasmine, orange jessamine, china box, or mock orange.
Relation with jasmines: although called “orange jasmine,” Murraya paniculata is not directly related to the jasmine plant family.
Flower fragrance: the intensity of the fragrance of this plant’s flowers increases at night, creating a unique sensory experience for those who appreciate it during different times of the day.
Heritage trees: there are two trees of the Murraya paniculata species designated as “Heritage Trees” on Changi, Andover Road, in Singapore, highlighting their cultural and historical importance.

Now that you have learned the main characteristics and curiosities of the orange jasmine, see below how to properly cultivate it.

How to Care for Orange Jasmine

Orange jasmine is a spacious plant that can reach up to 7 meters (about 23 feet) in height, so it is recommended that you choose a spacious location to cultivate it.

Moreover, it needs protection against very low temperatures, its soil must be rich in organic matter and well-drained.

Below I will explain in detail the care mentioned above and other equally important ones such as watering, fertilization, planting, etc.

Where to Place This Plant

Orange jasmine can be cultivated in gardens, flower beds, pots, and even in conjunction with other ornamental plants.

To choose the ideal location for this plant, it is necessary to understand some care such as temperature, lighting, soil moisture, etc.

Murraya paniculata is a plant adapted to subtropical and Mediterranean climates. This means that it thrives in regions with milder winters and hot summers. These climatic conditions provide the perfect environment for its development.

In terms of lighting, orange jasmine prefers locations with good exposure to direct sunlight or partial shade in very hot places.

You must keep the soil of this plant always moist, but not waterlogged. I will explain more about this below in the part about watering.

Also take care with low temperatures and strong frosts. Therefore, if you live in a region with harsh winters, it is important to protect the plant during the colder months. Shelters or fences can be useful in this sense.

In summary, provide good lighting, moist soil without waterlogging, and protection against strong frosts.

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How to Water

After planting the orange jasmine, it is essential to water regularly, especially during the first months, when the roots are establishing. This helps the plant to adapt to the new environment and to create robust roots.

The soil around the plant should be kept moist, but it is crucial to avoid waterlogging. Excess water can lead to root rot and impair the plant’s development. Therefore, water carefully, ensuring the soil does not become overly saturated.

During the drier months, in addition to keeping the soil moist, you can also spray water on the leaves. This contributes to maintaining good humidity for your plant.

Ideal Soil for Murraya Paniculata

murraya paniculata in a garden — Source: deavita

Murraya paniculata thrives in fertile, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Therefore, make sure the soil is enriched with essential nutrients for the healthy development of the plant.

Good options for soil mixtures are:

Manure
Organic compost
Worm humus
Peat
Perlite
Vermiculite

The ideal pH is slightly acidic to neutral, with values between 5.5 and 6.5. Make sure the soil is within this range to ensure optimal growth conditions.

How and When to Fertilize

Iron is an essential nutrient for Murraya paniculata, so opt for fertilizers rich in nutrients during the planting and maintenance of the plant. This nutritional choice will contribute to the exuberant flowering of your orange jasmine.

Semi-annual fertilizations with iron chelates will help to prevent iron chlorosis, a condition caused by iron deficiency.

In addition to iron chelate, it is also possible to use:

Chemical fertilizers: for example, NPK 20 20 20.
Organic fertilizers: such as compost and animal manure, to maintain soil balance and promote healthy growth. These fertilizers are rich in essential nutrients and help nourish the plant naturally.

When fertilizing your plant, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the package, as this way you will avoid over-fertilizing your plant.

Planting and Replanting

Murraya paniculata can be planted at any time of the year, but planting during spring and summer is generally more beneficial for the healthy establishment of the plant.

Select the location where you will place your plant.
Prepare the soil (dig a hole twice as large as the root ball of the plant)
Place the plant in the hole so that it is at the same depth it was growing before the transplant.
Fill the hole with soil and press lightly around the plant.
Water immediately after planting to settle the soil and establish the roots.

Regarding replanting, it is recommended when the plant is in pots and reaches a size where it needs more space to grow. Avoid replanting at the end of the growing season to not damage the roots.

How to Propagate Murraya Paniculata

There are several ways to propagate this species, but two of the most common are through cuttings and seeds. Below, we detail these methods of propagation:

Propagation by Stem Cuttings:

First select a part of the plant that has healthy leaves and is firm enough, approximately 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) in length.
Cut the cuttings at an inclined angle to increase the surface available for contact with the soil.
Remove the leaves from the stem, leaving only a few pairs of leaves at the top of the cutting.
Plant the cuttings in a moist substrate in soil enriched with fertilizers and organic matter.
After planting, water the cuttings regularly to keep the substrate moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can rot the roots.
Keep the cuttings in a sheltered place away from direct sunlight and strong winds until they have grown enough to withstand external conditions.

Remember that Murraya paniculata is susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is crucial to choose healthy cuttings and take precautions to prevent the spread of problems.

Propagation by Seeds

Soak the seeds overnight before planting in a seed tray filled with moist substrate.
Plant the seeds in the moist substrate, with the concave side facing up. Maintain a moist environment to stimulate germination.
As the seedlings grow, care for them by providing adequate light and keeping the soil moist, but not waterlogged.

Other Methods

In addition to cuttings and seeds, Murraya paniculata can also be propagated by air layering, which involves making an incision in the mature stem, applying rooting hormone, wrapping with moist sphagnum moss, and covering with plastic until roots develop.

After that, the new seedling can be planted in the desired location.

Regardless of the chosen method, it is important to be careful and patient to ensure the proper establishment of the seedling.

Pests, Diseases, and Other Problems

Even when well-cultivated, orange jasmine is susceptible to the attack of pests and diseases that can hinder its cultivation.

Therefore, it is important to know the main pests and diseases that can appear on this plant.

Mites, Mealybugs, and Whiteflies: These pests can cause damage, such as distorted growth and difficulty in nutrient absorption. For the control of these pests, it is recommended to use a solution of water and insecticidal soap.

Nematodes: These microscopic parasites can damage the plant’s roots. Keeping the soil healthy and well-drained can help reduce the risk of nematode infestation.

Diaphorina citri (HLB – Greening transmitter): This insect can transmit the bacterium Candidatus liberibacter ssp, which causes the disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB – Greening). This disease can cause serious damage to the plant and to citrus cultivation.

Root Rot: A fungal disease that can lead to root rot and defoliation of the plant. Avoid water accumulation at the roots through well-drained soil.

Iron Chlorosis: Caused by iron deficiency in the plant, resulting in leaf discoloration. Fertilizing the plant with the appropriate nutrients can help treat this problem.

Sooty Mold: A fungus that feeds on sugars produced by mealybugs and other sap-sucking insects. Pest control can help prevent sooty mold.

In addition to pests and diseases, there are also other problems that can appear on this plant:

Drying of Leaves: This can occur due to lack of moisture in the environment. Make sure to maintain an adequate level of humidity around the plant.

Burnt Leaf Tips: This can happen due to exposure to direct sunlight in very hot regions. Protect your plant from intense sunlight.

Strong Frosts: Murraya paniculata is sensitive to severe frosts. If you live in an area subject to frosts, take measures to protect your plant during the winter.

Other Tips about Orange Jasmine

Below are some tips and additional information about orange jasmine that were not covered in this article.

Murraya paniculata is a great choice for living fences due to the density of its leaves. It can be used in fences of various sizes and styles, contributing to the privacy and aesthetics of the garden.

Moreover, the plant is suitable for creating stylized landscapes and gardens with formal styles. However, it is important to be aware that maintaining the plant with a well-cared-for appearance may require regular pruning.

The Myrtle is often confused with Murraya paniculata. However, these are distinct plants with different characteristics and properties. Make sure to correctly identify the desired plant when using it for specific purposes.

This was our complete article about orange jasmine.

I hope you enjoyed the text and the photos we chose to illustrate this article.

If you liked this information and wish to continue learning about other plants, below I have separated some articles that might interest you:

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