How Many Varieties of Jasmine Are There? The Most Fragrant Variety and Detailed Care Methods
There are many varieties of jasmine. At present, there are about 60 or more varieties of jasmine in China, including single-petal jasmine, double-petal jasmine and multi-petal jasmine. Single-petal jasmine plants are short and produce abundant flowers, but the petals are relatively small, and their fragrance is unmatched by double-petal jasmine and multi-petal jasmine. Double-petal jasmine is a widely cultivated jasmine variety; its flowers are larger and fatter than those of single-petal jasmine and have more petals, but its fragrance is not as good as that of single-petal jasmine. Multi-petal jasmine has large flowers with clearly layered petals when open, but its fragrance is relatively faint.
Based on the analysis and observation of more than 60 varieties of jasmine, the most fragrant jasmine in the world today is the Bijan single-petal jasmine (Jasminum sambac 'Bijan'). Its leaves are so green they seem about to drip, its flowers are as white as jade, and its fragrance is clear, delicate and rich; it is known as the first among fragrant flowers. When it opens in the evening, wave after wave of refreshing, soul-penetrating fragrance makes it hard to part with and unforgettable for a long time. The saying "one flower can perfume a whole room" refers to this flower. Therefore, Bijan jasmine is the most fragrant variety of jasmine.
Jasmine cultivation methods are also very simple. Jasmine likes hot, humid, ventilated environments and needs sufficient light. Jasmine fears cold; in the south, potted jasmine can be grown outdoors to overwinter, while in the north, warmth must be maintained in autumn and winter, and the plants should be moved indoors and placed in a south-facing direction. With strong light, the branches and stems are robust, the leaves are deep green, and there are many fragrant flowers; with insufficient sunlight, the nodes are sparse, there are few flowers, and they are not fragrant.
The watering principle for jasmine is "do not water if not dry; when watering, water thoroughly." After potting, water once thoroughly. In spring and autumn, depending on the weather, generally water once every 2-3 days, and mist daily to keep the air moist. In summer, mist once every morning and water once after 4 p.m. In winter, reduce watering in the greenhouse, otherwise the roots rot easily. In addition, jasmine should be pinched and shaped regularly; after the peak flowering period, prune heavily to encourage new shoots, so that the plants are neat and robust and bloom vigorously.