Previously known as Jasminum nitidum. Current botanical theory is that this species originates from Islands near New Guinea but there is some debate it may come from NE India.

Since the species Jasminum laurifolium comes from NE India it seems likely to me that a botanical ‘form’ (the ‘f’. before the word ‘nitidum’ in the title) would be more likely to be from the same continent. Jasminum nitidum is a very attractive plant indeed.

Two main reasons make this species extremely attractive for growing.
Firstly the foliage and habit/compactness of the plant itself and secondly the flowers are delicate and of a more sophisticated design & borne very freely with great scent.

First impressions always reveal something but not everything and with Jasminum nitidum the first impression is of health and vigour. Shiny deep green oval tapered leaves on short arching stems and looking as good in mid winter as in mid summer.
Making a great specimen plant and easily kept to a nice round bush by a bit of pruning. If left to it’s own devices it will first establish itself as a shrub and then send a dominant stem skywards which will display just the faintest degree of twining.

These stems can reach 8-10 feet (2.5-3m) when the subject is in the ground but less when constrained by a container. It is worth mentioning at this point where I am waxing lyrical about the foliage that of all the species Jasminum nitidum is the most tolerant and least affected by pests, although miraculously all Jasmines are remarkably unaffected by pests.(see Pests & Diseases).

The main concern is a shortage of water and then under feeding especially when grown in containers. The foliage is quite thick and has a shiny cuticle and is very handsome.
The leaves give rise to its new(!!!) species botanical name ‘laurifolium’ and I must agree there is some resemblance to the general concept of what a laurel is like, although I am no great authority on Laurels.

The flowers are large and look like an exploded star! The tube is about 2cm long and the flower itself is 3.5- 5cm in diameter with about 10 petals on average all long and slender and tapering into a fine point.
All the flowers are held erect on upright flower stems which have loose clusters of about 5 flowers. The main flowering period in Northern Europe under glass late spring( in a heated conservatory, later from early summer in a cool ventilated glasshouse) or midsummer onwards if grown outside in southern Europe.

In the UK under glass our stock plant produced flowers from April until October. Like J.tortuosum this species is very easy to grow and will flower well even in lower light levels and is happy both as a specimen plant in the greenhouse border or as a containerised plant.
It seems to tolerate a wide range of soils and cultural conditions with humidity and high temperatures being no problem. This shouldn’t be a great surprise as it is grown widely throughout the tropics. But it also seems tolerant of dry arid heat as long as it receives adequate water.

My observations are that it can tolerate low temperatures but dislikes sharp changes of temperature and draughts/cold winds and wet soil in winter. Any one or a combination of the above can lead to a very sudden defoliation of the entire plant which can be somewhat disconcerting.

One day the entire foliage is shed by just an accidental tap or casual brushing as you pass by! In 99% of cases the plant will regenerate in the spring if kept dry.
More dangerous is the problem encountered in late winter in N Europe of stem rot or fungal infection. This species seems more prone when the temperatures are really low (much lower than advised) and when the soil is wet and sodden and the air is cold and not moving.

Jasminum sambac also suffers from this problem and those brave enough to try to over winter plants using a inside windowsill as your greenhouse bench will undoubtedly suffer from this ‘die back’ especially if you have single glazing and condensation on the inside.
Nevertheless, the plant should survive the die back and the abysmal conditions which say a lot for the toughness of Jasmines generally.