Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ Live Plant – Fragrant Double White Flowers, Jasminum sambac, 4-inch Pot

Overview

Introduce an air of serene elegance and an intoxicating fragrance to your living space or garden with the exquisite Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ live plant. This particular variety of Jasminum sambac is highly prized for its prolific blooming of pure white, double-petaled flowers that release a sweet, alluring scent, especially in the evenings. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions, this jasmine cultivar is a favorite among plant enthusiasts for its ornamental beauty and aromatic qualities. Whether you’re looking to enhance a patio, create a fragrant border, or bring its charm indoors as a potted specimen, the Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ live plant offers a truly enchanting experience. It’s a vigorous grower that, with proper care, will reward you with a continuous display of its beautiful, fragrant blossoms.

The ‘Belle of India’ is a cultivar known for its larger, more complex double white jasmine flower compared to other Jasminum sambac varieties. Its glossy green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the pristine white blooms, making it a visually appealing plant even when not in full flower. This plant is often used in traditional ceremonies and for making floral garlands due to its strong, pleasant aroma. Cultivating this plant allows you to enjoy its beauty and fragrance firsthand, transforming any space into a more vibrant and aromatic oasis.

Key Benefits

The Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ live plant offers a multitude of benefits, making it a popular choice for gardeners and plant lovers alike. Its captivating features go beyond mere aesthetics, contributing positively to your environment and well-being.

• Exquisite Fragrance: The primary allure of the ‘Belle of India’ jasmine is its incredibly sweet and intense fragrance. The double white jasmine flower releases a perfume that can fill an entire room or garden area, providing a natural air freshener and a delightful sensory experience. This makes it perfect for planting near windows, patios, or entryways where its scent can be fully appreciated.
• Beautiful Double White Flowers: Unlike single-petaled jasmine varieties, the ‘Belle of India’ boasts lush, double-petaled blooms. These intricate flowers are visually stunning, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication wherever they are grown. The pristine white color contrasts beautifully with its dark green foliage.
• Versatile Growth Habit: This fragrant jasmine plant can be grown as a bush, trained as a vine, or kept in a container, offering great flexibility for various garden designs or indoor settings. Its adaptable nature allows it to thrive in different environments, provided its basic care needs are met.
• Attracts Pollinators: While primarily grown for its fragrance and beauty, the flowers of the fragrant jasmine plant can also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden, contributing to local biodiversity.
• Stress Reduction: The soothing aroma of jasmine is often associated with relaxation and stress relief. Having a Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ live plant in your home or garden can contribute to a more calming and peaceful atmosphere, enhancing your overall well-being.
• Long Blooming Season: With proper care and favorable conditions, the ‘Belle of India’ jasmine can bloom almost continuously throughout the warmer months, providing a prolonged display of its beautiful flowers and captivating scent.
• Suitable for Containers: Its relatively compact size and ability to be pruned make it an excellent candidate for container gardening, allowing those with limited space, such as apartment dwellers or small patio owners, to enjoy this beautiful plant.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ live plant involves understanding its specific needs to ensure vigorous growth and abundant blooms. This tropical beauty thrives when provided with the right conditions for sunlight, water, and soil.

Sunlight Requirements: The ‘Belle of India’ jasmine prefers partial to full sun. This means it should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can protect the plant from scorching, especially during the peak summer months. If growing jasmine indoors, place your plant near a bright, south-facing window or under grow lights to ensure it receives adequate light for flowering.

Watering Schedule and Soil Moisture: Consistent moisture is key for this plant. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During active growth and blooming, more frequent watering may be necessary. Reduce watering slightly during cooler, dormant periods. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plant and reduce flower production.

Soil Type and Drainage Requirements: This jasmine thrives in rich, well-draining soil. A good quality potting mix amended with compost or organic matter is ideal. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Excellent drainage is crucial; if planting in a container, ensure it has drainage holes. For garden planting, amend heavy clay soils with sand and compost to improve aeration and drainage.

Temperature Range and USDA Hardiness Zone: As a tropical plant, the ‘Belle of India’ jasmine prefers warm temperatures. It is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 for outdoor cultivation, where it can be grown as a perennial. In colder zones, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors before the first frost. Protect it from temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Ideal temperatures range from 60-90°F (15-32°C).

Fertilization Schedule and Type: Feed your growing jasmine indoors or outdoors with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Look for a fertilizer that promotes flowering, perhaps one with a slightly higher phosphorus content. Reduce or stop fertilization during winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application.

Common Problems and Solutions: Watch out for common pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies, especially on indoor plants. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure proper watering practices and consistent fertilization. Pruning after a flush of blooms encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Regular pruning also helps maintain the desired shape and size of your fragrant jasmine plant.

Size & Details

The Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ live plant typically arrives as a nursery plant, often in a 4-inch pot with soil and rooting hormone, ready for initial care and eventual transplanting. While young, it will be compact, but with proper care, it can grow into a substantial shrub or vine. In ideal conditions, this plant can reach heights of 3-6 feet or more if trained on a trellis or support. Its spread can be similar, creating a lush, fragrant display. It has a moderate to fast growth rate, especially during warm weather.

When you receive your plant, it is important to handle it gently. While it may arrive with rooting hormone, it might not be fully rooted, so avoid disturbing the root ball immediately. Allow it some time to recover from shipping stress before transplanting. The plant is expected to begin producing its beautiful double white jasmine flower blooms during its first growing season, with more prolific flowering as it matures. The exact size and bloom time will vary based on environmental conditions and care provided, but its potential for a stunning, fragrant presence is significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ live plant can grow 3-6 feet tall and wide, especially if given support to climb. Its size can be managed with regular pruning, making it suitable for both garden beds and containers.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This plant is typically shipped in a 4-inch nursery pot, containing the plant with soil and rooting hormone. It will need to be gradually acclimated and eventually transplanted into a larger pot or garden.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The ‘Belle of India’ jasmine can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11. In colder climates, it is best grown in a container and brought indoors during winter as a growing jasmine indoors specimen.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This jasmine requires partial to full sun, meaning at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. In very hot climates, provide some afternoon shade.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: While not entirely hands-off, the Jasmine ‘Belle of India’ live plant is considered moderately easy to care for. Providing consistent water, adequate sunlight, and well-draining soil are the main requirements for success.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Live plants may experience some stress during shipping, such as minimal leaf drop. It’s important to allow the plant a few days to recover in a suitable environment before attempting any major changes or transplanting.
• Q: How long until it blooms? A: With proper care, the ‘Belle of India’ jasmine can begin to produce its fragrant flowers in its first growing season. Consistent warmth, light, and feeding will encourage prolific blooming.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: If you are in USDA Zones 9-11, your fragrant jasmine plant should survive winter outdoors. In colder zones, it must be protected from frost by bringing it indoors or providing significant winter protection.
• Q: What’s the best soil for this plant? A: The ‘Belle of India’ jasmine prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A good quality potting mix with added organic matter is ideal for container growing.
• Q: Is this plant pet-safe? A: While Jasminum sambac is generally considered non-toxic to pets, it’s always wise to monitor pets around new plants and consult a veterinarian if you have concerns about ingestion.