| Jasminum tortuosum | ||
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| To my mind this is the most commonly encountered tender species after Jasminum polyanthum in commercial/retail horticulture in Europe. It has trifoliate leaves composed of three separate leaflets and is similar in appearance and superficially flowering to J.azoricum and J.angulare. It is however easier to be grown in Northern European conservatory than these species. In its favour is its very free flowering and remarkably tolerant of a wide range of conditions and will even flower moderately/well in poor light. It is surprisingly vigorous and its maximum size will be 6-8ft/1.8-2.5M (usually less especially when grown in a container) which lends itself well to small conservatory walls and structures. Its habit is similar to Jasminum angulare but is slightly looser with an airy feel to it. Long scandent arching semi- twining growths can be tied and trained easily. The flowers are produced over a very long period from early June onwards on the end of all current year’s growth. As with so many Jasmines which produce flowers on the current years growth there is a direct correlation between the size of the plant and the amount of flowers. Without labouring the point two things are critical to produce show stopping plants which will amaze you and others and provide the powerful scent that these plants are grown for. Firstly careful pruning (which is dealt with in its own section, See heading: Cultivation of Jasmines) , which can be used to encourage the plant to produce more lateral side shoots and build a woody framework that will help to this end. Secondly of equal and indeed possibly more importance is feeding. This is also dealt with separately under the section on cultivation. Feeding is critical especially with container grown specimens that will easily drain the nutrients from fresh soil in a small container within a month or two. Generally speaking the more growth during the flowering season will increase flowering. The flowers of Jasminum tortuosum are classic star shaped with usually 4 or five separate petals which are long and taper to a point. As the flower ages the margins (petal edges) tend to roll over very slightly which gives the petal a slight curve and often the petals are slightly reflexed backwards or even slightly rolled sideways along their length. One of the selling points of Jasminum tortuosum apart from the ease with which it can be grown in a range of conditions is the production of flowers which are formed over a long period. The flowers are borne usually in threes but it is this arrangement that makes the plant seem covered in flowers. The flowers are produced on fresh current growth at the tip end and then backwards. So, imagine the top having a spray of three buds( or more) and then below that at the next stem node two further branches; one either side each with 3 or more flowers and below this at the stem node below the same and so one. This also gives flowers throughout the greater majority of the plant and not just at the top/extremities. The production of flowers along all the current years growth also gives the flowering period extended longevity over a considerable time. This species is also able to throw out flowers whenever it is in growth so although it has one major flowering period it is not unusual for lesser bursts of flowering in late winter( especially if in a mild position and late summer into early autumn) Combined with its fast rate of growth and most luxuriant scent makes Jasminum tortuosum a first choice for exotic jasmines and a species no scented plant collection should be without. |