Plant Care for a Jasmine

Jasmine is a genus of vine that is part of the olive family. The name comes from the Persian word "yasmin," which means "gift from God." Some species of jasmine produce a strong aroma, which is believed to ease stress and relax muscles. Jasmine produces small white flowers during the spring and summer months, and fully mature vines can grow up to 30 feet in length.

Jasmine can be planted in almost any soil type, from sandy to clay. Plant the jasmine in a hole of equal depth to its holding container. Ensure the planting area receives full sun for most of the day. Jasmine planted in the shade can develop fungus-related ailments, such as powdery mildew or root rot. Jasmine should be planted in the summer, so it has an opportunity to become established before winter.

Both young and mature jasmine plants require regular watering during summer months. Water jasmine plants thoroughly two to three times a week, soaking the soil up to 6 inches deep. Jasmine generally doesn't require watering during the remainder of the year. However, if a drought or extremely high temperatures occur, water the plant to supplement the lack of moisture.

Jasmine plants require feeding twice yearly, once in the early spring and again in the late fall. Soak the soil directly surrounding the plant with water, then wait a full day. Apply liquid plant fertilizer to the soil, then wait two more days. Layer approximately 2 inches of bark mulch around the plant, atop of the fertilized soil.

Pruning jasmine in the late spring is necessary to encourage fresh growth the following season, and to prevent the vines from becoming thick and matted. Remove all dead and dying vines and stems from the plant using clean garden shears.

Liming once a year will keep jasmine plants healthy and strong. Work 2 cups of pelletized limestone and 2 cups of an organic fertilizer directly into the soil surrounding the jasmine vines. Adding lime to the soil will help nutrient retention and balance the pH level of the soil. A balanced pH level will permit the growth of microbes that break down nutrients and turn them into a form that can be readily absorbed by roots.