Jasminum: Left to its own devices, jasmine will grow into a large mass of highly scented flowers and attractive foliage, writes Kris Collins

摘要

For many, the heady scent of jasmine will evoke sultry Mediterranean evenings, so it may be a surprise to find that many Jasminum varieties will perform well in UK planting schemes, all offering different features for designers and specifiers. The genus is made up of around 200 species, originating from tropical and temperate regions in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The foliage can be evergreen or deciduous, usually with opposite leaves of trifoliate or pinnate shape. It is an unusual member of the Oleacae family because its flowers often have five or six petals instead of four. Many deciduous forms, including J. officinale Award of Garden Merit (AGM), have attractive foliage late into winter.