Jasmine trees are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful shrubs that bloom at the turn of June and July, which is relatively late for most ornamental shrubs. This genus is numerous in species - it is estimated that there are about 65 of them in the world growing naturally in the flora of Europe, Asia and North America.
In Poland, there are several species of jasmine and numerous varieties of hybrid origin. Charming white flowers, gathered in clusters, enchant with their beauty and - in some species - their fragrance.
Most often found in gardens, old parks and green spaces is the fragrant jasminePhiladelphus coronarius.This species occurs naturally in southern Europe and south-west Asia. The fragrant jasmine plant forms shrubs up to 2-3 m tall, with young erect shoots and older ones overhanging the sides. The flowers of this jasmine tree are creamy white, intensely fragrant, gathered in clusters of several. Its 'Aurus' variety with golden yellow leaves in spring (later turning green) presents itself very nicely. It grows to a height of 2 m. It looks impressive in color combinations with other shrubs with purple leaves, e.g.
The second one found in old parks isdusty jasmineP. pubescens. The distinctive feature of these shrubs is the non-flaking bark on old shoots. The leaves, flower clusters and sepals are covered with white hairs. It blooms at a similar time as the fragrant jasmine tree, but has larger flowers and, unfortunately, does not smell.
The last species found in Poland isodorless jasmineP.inodorus, grown in the beautiful large-flowered variety P. inodorus var. grandiflora. It develops the largest of all jasmine flowers (5 cm in diameter). It grows up to 2-3 m in height, it is distinguished by bright greenery and shiny leaves.
The enormous grace and beauty of these shrubs prompted gardeners-growers to create numerous varieties that were created at the end of the 19th century. A famous breeder from this period was Victor Lemoine from Nancy, France, who crossed European and American species. A large number of varieties resulting from numerous crosses, often multiple ones with a pedigree difficult to determine, gave grounds for dividing into four groups of varieties.
The first group are hybrids classified as Burfordensis , which is characterized by shrubs growing up to 4 m. In this group the most popular variety is 'Falconeri' with star-shaped, delicately fragrant flowers. The next group is Lemoinei, forming low shrubs up to 2 m tall with white flowers.Shrubs from this group are worth recommending for small gardens, because they grow slowly, bloom profusely and smell beautifully. The 'Erectus' variety is very popular in this group. The next group is Purpuro-maculata with white wild strawberry flowers. The 'Bicolore' variety with 5 cm diameter flowers is popular in this group. The last group is 'Virginalis' with full or semi-double flowers and tall shrubs up to 4 m. A popular old variety in this group is 'Virginial', called a maiden variety, producing semi-double snow-white flowers, strongly fragrant.
Old Polish varietiesbred by the famous dendrologist Antoni Wróblewski are also available in the nurseries. For example, 'Alabaster' forms strongly shrubs up to 3 m tall. Its flowers are creamy-white, single, 3-4 cm in diameter, gathered in loose inflorescences, they smell poorly. 'Alabaster' blooms profusely in the second half of June.
'Kalina' is a shrub that grows up to 1.5-2 m long, with a compact, upright habit.Flowers are single, white, with a strong smell, 3-4 cm in diameter. It blooms profusely and late. 'Justynka' is a shrub that grows poorly (up to 1.5 m), widely branched. Flowers are single or semi-double, 2-3 cm in diameter, weakly fragrant. Blooms profusely in June and July. 'Karolinka', on the other hand, creates compact shrubs that grow quite strongly (grows up to 2 m). Flowers are single, white, fragrant, 3-4 cm in diameter. Blooms profusely in the second half of June.
'Apollo' creates large, arched shrubs with white flowers. 'Biały Dwarf' is a shrub of short stature, growing up to 1 m, with corrugated leaves and fragrant white flowers.
What do jasmine trees like
Jasmine shrubs are shrubs with very low soil requirements. They grow well in any soil, except very wet ones, prefer average soils. They grow best in sunny and semi-shaded positions.In dry places, during drought, the leaves often wither and the bushes are attacked by aphids. They are perfect for planting in groups, as well as for unformed and formed hedges, which look very impressive during flowering and perfectly tolerate pruning and pruning (then they bloom less profusely). They tolerate transplanting very well even in old age. They easily reproduce from woody cuttings.
