What Varieties of Jasmine Are There? An Introduction to Common Varieties

Jasmine, with its rich fragrance and snow-white blooms, has been a frequent subject in the writings of scholars and poets since ancient times. However, many people know only the jasmine flower and are unaware that the jasmine family also holds many beautiful varieties unknown to most. Today, let us learn about the varieties of jasmine.

Four O'Clock Flower

Four O'Clock Flower (Mirabilis jalapa), as the name suggests, is distinctive for its purple flowers. Unlike the pure white of traditional jasmine, the Four O'Clock Flower quietly blooms at night. Its flowers are funnel-shaped, with colors grading from light purple to deep purple, giving off a faint, delicate fragrance. Though not as intense as daytime jasmine, it has a charm all its own. The Four O'Clock Flower is not only beautiful in bloom; its seeds are also often used as medicine, with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, allowing people to feel nature's gift while enjoying its beauty.

Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow (Brunfelsia pauciflora)

If the Four O'Clock Flower uses the night as its stage, then Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow is the spirit of the alternation between day and night. Its flowers open in blue-purple and gradually turn white as time passes. This wonderful two-color transformation makes Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow a rare curiosity in the floral world. It symbolizes unwavering loyalty in love.

Baozhu Jasmine

Baozhu Jasmine has flowers shaped like precious pearls. Its petals are thick and full, pure and flawless white, giving off a refreshing fragrance. Baozhu Jasmine is not only beautiful in bloom but also long-lasting in fragrance, making it a superior choice for making jasmine tea. On a hot summer day, brewing a pot of Baozhu Jasmine tea not only quenches thirst and relieves the heat but also lets one savor the elegance and tranquility of life amid the tea's aroma.

Tiger-Head Jasmine

Tiger-Head Jasmine has flowers much larger than ordinary jasmine. Its petals are layered over one another, thick and richly textured, with an overall form like a tiger's head poised to spring, hence the name. Tiger-Head Jasmine's fragrance is rich and long-lasting, reaching straight to the heart. However, it is precisely this boldness and uniqueness that make Tiger-Head Jasmine relatively difficult to cultivate, requiring more meticulous management and care. But once successfully planted, the garden full of fragrance and the spectacular sight will surely make you feel that all the effort was worthwhile.

Four O'Clock Flower, Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow, Baozhu Jasmine and Tiger-Head Jasmine - these common jasmine varieties each have their own characteristics and meanings, with different forms. Of course, besides them, there are many other beautiful types of jasmine, and you can choose your favorite variety to cultivate.