Origin
The Jasminum officinale, also known as the common jasmine, is a climbing plant originally from South and Central Asia. Its distribution area extends from Iran to China and from the Himalayas to the northern parts of India. In the twelfth century, the Moors introduced the plant to Spain, from where it found its way to the rest of Europe and eventually North America.

Characteristics
The Jasminum officinale is a deciduous climbing plant and reaches an average height of four to ten metres. It has opposite leaves composed of five to nine leaflets. The plant blossoms from June to October with white, star-shaped flowers that emit a sweet delicate scent. The fruits that appear after flowering contain numerous small black seeds.

Care
The Jasminum officinale thrives best in nutritious, well-drained soil and a fully to partially sunny spot. While it is a fairly drought-tolerant plant, it requires regular watering during dry periods. Pruning should take place in the spring as the plant blooms on the wood from the previous season. Fertilising with a balanced fertiliser at the start of the growing period promotes growth and bloom. It is necessary to protect the plant from severe winter cold, as it is not entirely hardy.