Crape jasmine (Tabernaemontana divaricata)

Also known as: Pinwheelflower, East india rosebay, Paper gardenia

Crape jasmine (Tabernaemontana divaricata) is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2.5 meters in height. It features dark green, glossy leaves and produces white, pinwheel-shaped flowers with a delightful, carnation-like fragrance throughout the year. This plant is easy to cultivate in conditions ranging from light shade to full sun.

In landscaping, Crape jasmine is often used as an attractive backdrop or natural hedge, adding both aesthetic appeal and fragrance to gardens. Its low-maintenance nature and year-round blooming make it a popular choice for gardeners.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Crape jasmine

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

3 m

Spread

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Crape jasmine

Quickly Identify Crape jasmine

Easily identifiable by its pinwheel-shaped white flowers, dark green glossy leaves, and milky sap when the leaves or stems are broken.

Scientific Classification of Crape jasmine

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Milkwood

Species

Crape jasmine

Planting and Growing of Crape jasmine

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Crape jasmine?

For Tabernaemontana divaricata, it’s important to make sure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water it thoroughly until water drains out of the pot's bottom, which typically requires about 250 ml. The right amount ensures the roots receive adequate moisture without drowning them.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Crape jasmine? ›

What should I do if my Crape jasmine is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Crape jasmine? ›

How to save an overwatered Crape jasmine? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Crape jasmine?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 4-6 hours daily

Tabernaemontana divaricata thrives best in partial to full sun exposure. This range supports vigorous blooming and rich, vibrant leaves, ensuring the plant remains a showy specimen in your garden.

Optimal Sunlight Duration ›

Maintaining Balance Between Shade and Sun ›

Utilizing Protective Shade Cloth ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Crape jasmine?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 86℉

Tabernaemontana divaricata thrives best in environments where temperatures consistently range between 65°F and 86°F. These conditions mimic its native tropical habitat, promoting robust growth, healthy foliage, and abundant blooming. The moderate warmth ensures the plant's metabolic functions remain efficient, crucial for nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

What Soil is Best for Crape jasmine?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Tabernaemontana divaricata thrives in well-draining soil that prevents water stagnation around its roots. This is crucial to avoid root rot and support healthy growth. The plant benefits from soil enriched with organic matter, which provides essential nutrients for vibrant foliage and prolific blooming. While drainage is important, the soil should also maintain adequate moisture to cater to the plant's hydration needs, ensuring it remains lush and healthy. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Crape jasmine?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Tabernaemontana divaricata thrives with balanced fertilization. It's crucial to avoid excessive amounts. Generally, use 50% of the suggested amount on the fertilizer label for liquid fertilizers. For slow-release solid fertilizers, a small handful is usually enough. This ensures the plant gets adequate nutrients without risk of nutrient burn. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Crape jasmine?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by identifying the parts that need pruning. Focus on dead or damaged branches, which can be cut down to their base. Trim back any overgrown areas to maintain a harmonious shape and encourage more flower production. Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears for clean cuts. Make decisive cuts at a 45-degree angle, slightly above a node or bud to encourage healthy new growth. This technique minimizes damage and disease risk. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Crape jasmine plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem that is about 4-6 inches long. Ensure the mother plant is disease-free and well-watered, as healthy cuttings have a greater chance of rooting.

Remove leaves from the lower third of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. This enhances root formation and reduces moisture loss from the cutting.

Plant the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil. Ensure the cutting is inserted deep enough to be stable and water it lightly to maintain humidity without waterlogging.

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How to Repot Crape jasmine plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

The ideal time to repot Tabernaemontana divaricata is when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, soil drying out quickly after watering, or a slowdown in the plant's growth. These signals indicate that the plant might be root-bound and needs more room to grow.

Select a pot that is about an inch or two larger in diameter than the current one. Make sure it has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A slightly larger pot provides adequate space for root expansion while maintaining the right moisture balance, essential for healthy plant growth.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix, preferably one formulated for tropical plants. This type of soil will ensure the roots receive enough oxygen and prevent the adverse effects of water retention, such as root rot. The correct soil mix is crucial for mimicking the plant's natural habitat conditions.

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Toxicity of Crape jasmine

Is Crape jasmine toxic to cat?

Crape jasmine presents a moderate risk of toxicity to felines. When a cat ingests any portion of the crape jasmine plant, it may display symptoms indicative of poisoning. These symptoms can vary and include physical discomfort or signs of illness, necessitating urgent veterinary care. As all sections of crape jasmine are deemed toxic, it is vital for cat owners to restrict their pets' access to this plant. In the event that a cat consumes crape jasmine, a swift trip to a veterinary clinic is critical for the pet's well-being and safety.

Is Crape jasmine toxic to dog?

The plant species known as crape jasmine is categorized as having moderate toxicity for dogs. Any ingestion of this plant, as every part of it is toxic, can lead to poisoning in dogs. Following the consumption of crape jasmine, symptoms in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or more severe indicators, depending on the quantity consumed. Therefore, it is vital for dog owners to restrict access to crape jasmine and to keep a close watch on their pets for any potential accidental ingestion. If there is a suspicion that a dog has been poisoned by crape jasmine, it is critical to seek immediate veterinary attention to secure the best possible outcome.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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