Plant of the Week: Jasmine

Plants for Christmas have always been popular – poinsettia and cyclamen being the most obvious. But this year many garden centres seem to have gone big with something slightly different – jasmine. Not the outdoor variety, obviously, but Jasminium polyanthum, the sweetly-perfumed, white-flowered indoor version.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Dec 2010, 11:27 BST
Updated 21st Dec 2010, 11:27 BST

If you're lucky enough to get one in your Santa sack, there are a few tips to keeping it blooming and happy in today's modern, centrally-heated homes where warm, dry air can be a killer for many house plants. Jasminium polyanthum needs plenty of light and a reasonably cool spot – no more than 61F –which will help prolong flowering.

Water sparingly in winter (don't allow the compost to become water-logged) and more often in spring and summer. Never let the compost dry out. A thriving plant can eventually reach a considerable height, so prune after flowering and cut back mature specimens to stop them taking over the living room.

YP MAG 24/12/10