Jasminum Dichotomum (Gold Coast Jasmine)

Jasminum Dichotomum, also known as the Gold Coast jasmine, belongs to the family Oleaceae, just like jasmine Grandiflorum. This evergreen climber grows as a woody vine or shrub over a long period of time. Originally found in tropical western and central Africa, this plant has been introduced to other regions, including Florida and India. This plant was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 1920s and became an invasive weed in Florida.

A dense shrub is formed from its vining habit. The glossy leaves contrast beautifully with the pink buds and snow-white blooms of the plant. Gardeners can also benefit from its medicinal uses and cultural significance.

Jasminum dichotomum cultivation holds its charm and significance in horticultural and ecological circles, despite not being as famous as some of its counterparts. Here we will discuss botanical aspects, growth conditions, Caring of Jasminum dichotomum and uses.

Morphology

A fast-growing, evergreen vine or scrambling shrub, Jasminum dichotomum can reach heights of 3 to 5 meters when supported by fences or trellises. Throughout the year, it offers clusters of fragrant white or off-white flowers all over its body, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to it. It features glossy, dark green leaves and plant is is very easy to grow.

Leaves: Jasminum dichotomum is an evergreen plant. Leaves are opposite, middle-green, and simple. The leaves are elliptic, entire, and petiolate.

Flowers: It has 5-7 petals and can be white or pink. This plant is well-known for its fragrant flowers that open at night. The flowers are pink when budding and then turn white as they mature. These flowers are clustered at the leaf axils. The plant blooms throughout the year. They bloom in the evening and release a sweet, heady fragrance as they open.

Fruit: Small, fleshy berries are produced by the plant, which become black when they are ripe. Although jasmine fruits are not widely consumed, these berries are attractive to birds and other animals.

Habitat

A tropical plant originally from southwest and central Africa, from Senegal to Kenya and Ethiopia, south to Mozambique and Zambia, Jasminium dichotomum has been introduced and naturalized in the United States and India. Initially found in gardens, the species spread into hammocks and forests when soil disturbance occurred in the 1970s. Jasminum dichotomum, particularly in Florida, is an invasive plant that displaced native vegetation in some areas.

The growth of this plant is therefore monitored by some local authorities in order to prevent ecological imbalances from occurring.

Jasminum Dichotomum thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. In these zones, the plant can tolerate mild winters and warm temperatures year-round. It may struggle in colder climates and would need to be grown as an annual or in containers that can be moved indoors during colder months if grown outside these zones.

Growing Conditions and Caring for Jasmine Dichotomum

Sunlight

Although it grows best in full sun, Jasminum dichotomum can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates where direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. It requires six (06) hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. You can encourage the plant’s growth by placing it in front of a southern-facing window. Direct sunlight isn’t needed as much in the winter.

Soil Requirements

There is no particular need for special soil types for this plant, provided that the soil is well draining. Sand, loamy, or slightly clayey soils can support its growth, as long as they don’t hold excessive moisture. The pH range should be 6.0 to 7.5.

It is best to use an organic potting mix if you are planting in a container. Fertility and drainage can be improved by incorporating compost or aged manure into the garden.

Watering

When they are in bloom, jasmine dichotomum plants need a lot of water. Keeping the soil moist is best. Jasminum dichotomum is relatively drought-tolerant after it has been established. It, however, prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Once a week, water the plant deeply, allowing the soil to completely dry between waterings in order to prevent the plant from getting root rot.

The plant is more tolerant of dry conditions than waterlogged ones, so if you live in a particularly dry or windy climate, you may need to water more frequently, but you should always be underwater rather than overwater.

Propagation

Cuttings can be propagated from dichotomum jasmine plants by trimming small sections of stems. Just below a set of leaf nodes, make the cut at a 45-degree angle. Next, remove any excess foliage from the cutting, just leaving 1-2 sets of leaves. Rooting hormone is optional, but it can speed up the process if new cuttings are dipped in it. Cuttings need constant warmth, moisture, and humidity after being placed in a quality potting mix.

I do advise to take semi-hardwood cuttings of your favorite jasmine varieties as it often produces the best results. Similarly, these stem segments are also obtained from new growth, but only after they have hardened or matured.

Layering is also an option for Jasminum dichotomum propagation, in which a low-growing branch is bent to the ground, partially buried, and allowed to root before being severed from the parent plant. New plants can be clipped off after taking root and grown on. Air layering works on the same principle as propagating jasmine by cuttings.

Pruning

Pruning Jasminum dichotomum can help maintain its shape and control its growth. It is beneficial to prune plants throughout the growing season to promote bushier growth and more blooms. It is important to remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems. This will prevent the spread of disease and keep the vine neat.

Make sure you remove tangled and old stems that no longer produce flowers. It enhances the appearance of the vine and makes maintenance easier when it is free of tangles. The easiest way to remove a tangled stem is to remove it in sections rather than jerking it free. Maintain trellis or arbor boundaries by shortening stems. Prune the plant after the main flowering period to allow it to regenerate and produce new flowers.

Jasminum dichotomum can become somewhat sprawling or leggy if left unpruned, so trimming regularly will keep it compact and tidy. Plants are usually grown as vines in some regions, so pruning is minimal, but they require a structure to climb.

Garden Uses of Jasminum Dichotomum

Landscaping Uses

Jasminum dichotomum is a beautiful plant with fragrant flowers and dense foliage that can be grown as a standalone shrub, trained to climb on trellises, or grown as a ground cover. It is ideal to use them as patio plants in a pot. This plant tolerates a variety of soil types and is drought-resistant, making it perfect for xeriscaping.

Ornamental

It is an ornamental plant with glossy leaves, dark pink buds, and white star-shaped flowers. Dark pink buds and snow-white flowers contrast with glossy leaves in a very ornamental way.

Container Planting

Jasminum dichotomum grows well in containers, which is ideal for patios, balconies, and small urban gardens. Choose a large enough container to accommodate the root system as the plant matures when grown in a pot. A stake or trellis is essential when planting in containers to allow the plants to climb.

Regular pruning & trimming the plant yields more flowering.

Invasive Weed

Although Jasminum dichotomum can be a beautiful addition to gardens, it exhibits invasive tendencies in certain regions, particularly in Florida. Several environmental authorities classify the plant as an invasive one due to its rapid spread and ability to smother native vegetation. Planting it in areas where it is considered invasive should be done with caution, including controlling Jasminum dichotomum seed dispersal and regular pruning.

Wildlife Attraction

Gardens and landscapes benefit from the fragrant flowers of Jasminum dichotomum, which attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. Birds and other wildlife may also benefit from its berries, though they are small.

Final Verdict

With its fragrant flowers and glossy foliage, Jasminum dichotomum makes a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. Gardeners both in tropical and temperate climates appreciate its easy cultivation and adaptability to various growing conditions.

Gardeners should take appropriate measures to control its spread because it may be invasive in certain regions. When properly handled, Jasminum dichotomum can provide lasting beauty and fragrance to your garden, as well as provide nectar for local wildlife.