Trees or plants, beyond debate, nurture and protect life in the world and flowers continue to plant life through pollination. Therefore, flowers are the cause of life on the planet earth. This is why, consciously or subconsciously, everybody including the entire nature love and respects flowers. Even the Gods and Goddesses are passionate about flowers for which worshipping God is incomplete without flowers.

Flowers have a huge population much more than any other population including the human population. Similarly, there are uncountable species and types of flowers and Botanists are yet to identify many of them. Every flower has its characteristics including its beauty, shape, colour, fragrance, etc. that make it stand apart in the garden. Jasmine is thus a flower that compels everyone not only for its beauty but for its marvellous fragrance and other characteristics.

True and False Jasmine

Jasmine flowers types are many with different characteristics. However, there is something that makes the Jasmine peculiar and interesting i.e. the True Jasmine and the False Jasmine. People passionate about gardening often get confused about the words “true” and “false” but it is simple and clear.

Jasmine plant or botanically “Jasminum” is a genus of vine and shrub in the family of Oleaceae or olive. The plant has as many as 200 different species and is native to Africa, Eurasia, and Oceania. These 200 Jasmine plants are usually called the “True” Jasmine. But other Jasmin shrubs are not from the Olive family but have similar characteristics to Jasminum. These non-Oleacea plants are called “False” Jasmin.

Know about the Jasmine, especially the plant and flowers, both the “True” and “False”, and types of jasmine flowers, their names, characteristics, and other details below.

1. Jasminum Mesnyi-Japanese Jasmine

Though named after Japan as Japanese Jasmine (Primrose Jasmine), the plant is native to China and Vietnam. In India, this flower is found in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh and is called Japani chameli.

Jasminum Mesnyi comes under the Oleaceae family and is a true Jasmine. The flowers of Japanese Jasmine are trumpet-shaped and bright yellow. Japanese Jasmine blooms in the early spring and continues in the summer.

The Japanese Jasmine shrub can climb if supported and if not supported it grows around 3 meters and looks fountain-like mound. This is a low-maintenance plant and suitable for pots. However, it requires special attention in the winter.

2. Jasminum Nudiflorum- the Winter Jasmine

Popularly called the Yellow Jasmin, the Jasminum Nudifloum is native to China. The Chinese name of this flower is Yingchun which means “Spring welcoming flower” because it blossoms at its peak after winter just before spring.

Winter Jasmine comes under one of the true jasmine plant types and belongs to the olive family. The plant produces bright yellow flowers from later winter to spring. This shrub can grow up to 3 to 5 meters. Winter Jasmine is popularly grown over the outside walls or in the form of mounding shrub.

Winter Jasmine grows well in sandy, clay, and medium types of soil preferably in well-drained soil. The plant grows best in sunny places but can survive in shade. The shrub can climb up to 5 meters (15 feet) if supported.

3. Gardenia Jasminoides-the Cape Jasmine

Native to Southeast Asia, the Cape Jasmine is usually found in China, Japan, and India. The Indian names of this flower are Gulchand, Gandhraj, Suvasane Malle, Gandroya, etc.

The shrub belongs to the family of Rubiaceae (coffee, bedstraw, or madder family) and comes under the false jasmine category. The petals of the Cape Jasmine are white but become yellow when it grows in age.

This plant grows better in well-drained and moist soil and is one of the preferred types of jasmine flowers in India. If the plants are grown indoors, they need to get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight. They should avail a minimum of one inch of rain or equivalent watering every week.

4. Cestrum nocturnum-the night blooming jasmine

Native to West Indies and America, this Jasmine is also called the Poisonberry, the lady of the night, etc. The Indian names of the plant are Raat Ki Rani, Hasna Hana, Harsingar, Parijat, etc.

From the Solanaceae (tomato, potato, etc.) family, this Jasmine comes under the false jasmine category. The shrub produces white, green, and golden-yellow flowers. The flowers produce the world’s strongest fragrance which can reach up to 165 feet from the plant.

The Cestrum nocturnum grows easily in well-drained soil and in adequate sunlight without much care or maintenance. However, it requires special attention in a cold climate. Since it blooms at the night it produces a strong fragrance in the night.

5. Gardenia Jasminoides -Candle Light Jasmine

Popularly called the Candle Light Jasmine is native to Southeast Asia. Gardenia Jasminoides has been one of the most popular Jasmine flower types in China for more than a millennium.

Candle Light Jasmine is from Rubiaceae (coffee, bedstraw, or madder family) family and thus categorized as false jasmine. The natural wild varieties of this plant can grow from 30 cm to 3 meters. The candlelight jasmine is bright white with heavy fragrance and blooms from late spring and continues till the early fall.

Candlelight jasmine grows both outdoors as well as indoors in pots and landscapes. The plant requires enough sunlight and at least a bi-week watering if kept indoors.

6. Jasminum X – Stephanense

Image Source: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Commonly known as Stephan Jasmine, the Jasminum X is in fact hybrid of J. Beesianum, the popular Chinese plant, and J. Officinale.

Jasminum X is categorized as one of the true types of jasmine flowers and classified under the family of Oleaceae or olive family. The shrub is a climbing vine and covers the outer fence or wall magnificently. Its woody climber vines with the small pale pink flowers look marvellous.

The plant grows better in well-drained soil and sunny places. However, it can be grown indoors, especially for its fragrance provided it gets enough sunshine. However, the plant can cope with partial shade but may require extra attention during the winter.

7. Gardenia Jasminoides – Aimee Yoshida

Image Source: Adriel anv00, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gardenia Jasminoides is native to tropical Asia, Africa Pacific Islands, Madagascar, and Australia. The plant is popular in the Indian subcontinent.

Commonly known as Aimee Yoshida is from the Rubiaceae (coffee, bedstraw, or madder family) and thus categorized as false jasmine. This flower is considered the largest of all Gardenias and provides an intense sweet fragrance. The Aimee Yoshida is regarded as one of the best types of jasmine flowers in India.

The plant grows in fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained soil, and can reach up to 12-inch height. Aimee Yoshida requires direct sunshine but needs afternoon or midday shade. They also grow well indoors provided they get special care in the winter.

8. Plumeria Rubra

Plumeria Rubra is native to Central America, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia, and is found in Chandigarh in India.

Popularly called Red Jasmine, Franjipani, Temple Tree, etc. the Plumeria Rubra belongs to the Apocynaceae family and thus is false jasmine.
Plumeria Rubra grows easily without much effort in well-drained and a little acidic soil. However, they need sunshine and require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun. They also need special protection in the winter.

9. Gardenia Jasminoides Variegata

Gardenia Jasminoides Variegata is native to Southeast Asia.

Gardenia Jasminoides Variegata is from the Rubiaceae or coffee family and so false jasmine. The flower is white and produces a strong fragrance. The flower looks remarkably beautiful in the bushy dark green leaves. This variety is one of the marvellous Jasmine flower types due to its intense fragrance.

Gardenia Jasminoides Variegata does not need much maintenance and grows easily in garden soil in full sun. However, it needs generous watering to grow vigorously.

10. Gardenia Jasminoides – the Shooting Star

Gardenia Jasminoides Shooting star is native to Southeast Asia and found in China, Taiwan, Japan, and northeast India.

Gardenia Jasminoides Shooting star is from the Rubiaceae or coffee family and is false jasmine. The plant grows up to 4 feet and produces bright white and flowerful flowers.

The shooting star jasmine is commonly grown indoors but is said to be grown outdoors. It requires direct sun and part shade and regular watering. However, over-watering can damage the shrub.

11. Gardenia Jasminoides Veitchii

Gardenia Jasminoides Veitchii is native to Southern China and Japan and is called Veitchii gardenia, Veitchil cape jasmine, etc.

Popularly called the ever-blooming gardenia, the plant belongs to one of the Rubiaceae types of jasmine flowers. Ultimately, it is categorized as false jasmine. It is a medium-sized shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant produces white and scented flowers from May to November.

This plant grows easily in the container without much maintenance. It will need full sun and partial shade if planted indoors. But the plant needs special care in the winter.

12. Gardenia Jasminoides Mystery

Popularly called Mystery Gardenia, the Gardenia jasminoides is native to Japan, China, and Taiwan.

Mystery Gardenia is the largest variety of the 15 types of Gardenia species and belongs to Rubiaceae or coffee family. Ultimately, it comes under the false category of jasmine. Mystery gardenia is popular due to its intense fragrance and easy-growing non-maintenance characteristics.

Mystery gardenia grows well in organically rich, moist, acidic, and well-drained soil and does not need much maintenance except for the winter.

13. Jasminum Elongatum

Popularly known as “Ear-leaf jasmine” and “Jasmine Pendulum”, the Jasminum elongatum is native to Eurasia, Australia, Africa, and Oceania. This plant is found in Manipur and Sikkim in India and is called Red Kund, Kundo arangba, and Hlo-kha.

Jasmine Elongatum is one of the rare jasmine plant types from the family of Olive and true jasmine. The plant produces beautiful star-shaped snow-white flowers and pink buds. The plant tends towards climbing.

Jasmine Elongatum is a low-maintenance plant tolerant to different ranges of temperature. It grows in dry soil and humid and warmer climate. These plants need full sun or partial shade and can tolerate the winter but not the frost.

14. Jasminum Officinale – the Common Jasmine

Jasmine Officinale is native to Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, China, Nepal, and the entire Himalayas and India.

Popularly known as the Common Jasmine is the national flower of Pakistan and belongs to the Olive family and so true jasmine. These flowers bloom from October to March and produce bright white flowers that spread intense fragrance.

The common jasmine grows in normal garden soil and moisturized soil and is counted as one of the best types of jasmine flowers in India. These flowers also grow vigorously indoors provided they are supported adequately. They need to be pruned soon after flowering.

15. Jasminum Grandiflorum – the Royal Jasmine

Popularly known as Spanish Jasmine and Catalan Jasmine, the Jasminum Grandiflorum or the Royal Jasmine is native to South Asia, Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and China. In India, this plant is widely cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka for commercial purposes.

The royal jasmine as popularly known comes under the Oleaceae family and so true jasmine is closely related to the “Jasminum Officinale” plant. The plant produces pure white flowers with intense fragrance from late spring to early fall. Royal Jasmine is widely cultivated for food purposes and also by the perfume industries.

Jasminum Grandiflorum grows easily in light, well-drained, and moist soil both in direct sun and shade. A dry and humid atmosphere suits the plant growth of Royal Jasmine. The plants tend to climb but grow well in the container.

List of Other Popular True and False Jasmine

Besides the above most popular 15 different Jasmine flowers types, there is a long list of true as well as false types of Jasmine. Below is a list of those jasmine usually liked and loved by everybody across the world.

11 Different Types of True Jasmine:

Jasminum Sambac or Arabian Jasmin, Jasminum Fruticans or Wild Jasmine, Jasminum Parkeri or Dwarf Jasmine, Jasminum Polyanthum or Pink Jasmine, (5) Jasminum Nitidum or Angel Wing Jasmine.
Jasminum Pubescens or Downey Jasmine, Jasminum Abyssinicum or Forest Jasmine, Jasminum Azoricum or Lemon-Scented Jasmine, Chrysojasminum Humile or Italian Jasmine, Jasminum Volubile or Stiff Jasmine, Jasminum Auriculatum or Jasminum Vahl, etc.

15 Different Types of False Jamin:

Gardenia Jasminoides or the August beauty, Gardenia Jasminoides or Chuk Hayes, Gardenia Jasminoides Belmont, Gardenia Jasminoides Daisy, (5) Gardenia Jasminoides Daruma.
Gardenia Jasminoides Frostproof, Gardenia Jasminoides Grif’s Select, Gardenia Jasminoides Kilem’s Hardy, Gardenia Jasminoides Michael, Gardenia Jasminoides Miami Supreme.
Gardenia Jasminoides Glazerii, Gardenia Jasminoides white Gem, Trachelospermum Asiaticum or Star Jasmine, Nyctanthes Arbortristis or Coral Jasmine, Cestrum Diurnum or Day Blooming Jasmin, etc.

Interesting Facts that Remarkably Enhances the Importance of Jasmine

All jasmine flowers types and their flowers symbolize elegance, deep affection, and happiness in China.
Jasmine is said to be originated in the holy and legendary Himalayas in western China.
People in Thailand consider Jasmine as the symbol of mother and love and respect for the plant as well as the flower.
Jasminum Sambac in the Indonesian language “Melati” is the national flower of Indonesia. The same flower known as “Sampaguita” in the Philippines is the national flower of the Philippines. This flower is also the national flower in Indonesia and is the most important flower at weddings on Java Island of Indonesia. Similarly, Jasminum officinale known as “Chambeli” in Pakistan is the national flower of Pakistan.
Jasmine is inaccurately known as “Brazilian Jasmine” and is considered invasive in Hawaii and Florida.
Loganiaceae, a type of jasmine from the false category in the Gelsemium family, and Carolina jasmine are considered poisonous and dangerous for human consumption. However, they are used for medicinal purposes.

The name “Jasmine” is derived from the Persian word “Yasmin” which means “Fragrant Flower”. In fact, Jasmine is a Persian name meaning “Gift from God”. The meaning of Jasmine in the Persian language reveals the significance of Jasmine across the ages. Above all, the love and respect paid for all types of jasmine flowers in India make Jasmin truly a gift from God, especially for human beings.

Popular Uses of Jasmine

Almost all types of jasmine plants are used or planted across the world as ornamental plants for their sweet and intense fragrance. All different varieties or types of Jasmine give fragrance all through the day. There are a few varieties that bloom at night and produce an intense fragrance that can reach the longest distance up to 165 feet.
Jasmine has immense value in the perfume and cosmetic industry. Internationally reputed Rat ki Rani perfume is made out of the Cestrum Nocturnum or the night-blooming jasmine. Besides this, the plant has a remarkable contribution to treating numerous diseases. All parts of the Jasmine plant along with its essential oil are used for medicinal purposes. The Jasmin essential oil is the first choice of manufacturers of soaps, lotions, creams, and shampoos.
Jasmine garlands are very popular across the world and are used for numerous decorative purposes. They are the first choice in occasions beginning from religious ceremonies to different types of gatherings and parties, weddings, political meetings, etc. In India and the Indian subcontinent, women love to purchase jasmine flowers for hairstyles and other related fashions.

Faq

What is the most fragrant jasmine plant?

There are lots of Jasmine with great fragrances. Below is the list of some of the Jasmine plants which are known for their fragrances.

Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum Sambac)

Common Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale)

Spanish Jasmine (Jasminum Grandiflorum)

Angelwing Jasmine (Jasminum Laurifolium)

Twisted Jasmine (Jasminum Tortuosum)

Showy Jasmine (Jasminum Floridum)

Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)

How many types of jasmine are there?

There are more than 200 species of Jasmine plants spread across around the world. There are true and false jasmine.

What is the best jasmine plant?

Identifying the best Jasmine plant depends on the needs of the gardeners. Different gardeners have different choices but if someone just wants to grow Jasmine because of fragrance then Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum Sambac) is the best.

Which species of jasmine is not fragrant?

Yet, jasmine plants are known for their flower fragrance but there is a variety called Wild Jasmine (Botanical Name – Jasminum fruticans) does not have fragrance.

Is jasmine a climber or creeper?

Typically most of the jasmines are shrubs and climbers.

Which jasmine is best for climbing?

Most of the Jasmines are great climbers. Example:

Japanese Jasmine

The Winter Jasmine

The night blooming jasmine

Common Jasmine etc.

Does jasmine attract bees?

Yes, as most of the Jasmine flowers have great fragrance so they attract bees.

How do you encourage jasmine to climb?

Provide good support to the Jasmine plant for better growth. Walls or sticks can be a good support. Once they climb on the wall they can spread themself, just ensure that they should not fall from the walls. Tie the branches and stem with the wall tightly to ensure proper support.