Jasminum laurifolium

Jasminum laurifolium var. laurifolium, often called J. nitidum

Jasmines are to be recommended for bringing fragrance into the garden in the warmer months. They belong to the Oleaceae family of plants and there are more than 200 species of them, native mainly to tropical and warm temperate regions of the world (particularly South and South-East Asia), thus they are quite well suited to our Sydney climate and a number of them thrive here. They have either a climbing or shrubby habit, though some can be grown as either, including the variety Jasminum laurifolium var. laurifolium (ht to 1.2-3 m) - more usually known by its synonym Jasminum nitidum - from Papua New Guinea. It has flushes of fragrant, clear white blooms that open from purplish buds and have many finely cut petals that are often tinted red-purple on the outside. The blooms appear over a long period from winter to summer, with intermittent flowers at other times, and remind me of little pinwheels. The glossy leaves are also very attractive. It grows best in a sunny, well-drained position. It can be clipped back after flowering (especially if it is being trained as a shrub) and can be propagated by cuttings taken in spring or autumn. When grown as a climber, it needs to be tied to its support at first, then its twining shoots will take over.