I have been growing this native Jasmine in a forgotten corner of my back garden. It is in a raised bed and gets limited sun and is often very dry. The neglected conditions have not stopped this lovely Native Jasmine from thriving. Jasminum suavissimum has sweetly perfumed, white flowers which smell quite similar to the exotic Jasmine although not as intoxicating.

Jasminum suavissimum has what I would lovingly call a scrambling habit, it will tangle and twine into itself, creating a wonderful low spreading shrub or light climber.

Like most climbing plants it will twine around other plants if planted too close and if not trimmed to keep it under control. This can sometimes look great if it is growing around a bare trunk along a fence line. If planted away from other plants/without support it can be grown as a shrub.

White star shaped flowers occur in late spring and early summer followed by fleshy berries and black seeds. It is a twining plant with narrow, elliptical leaves to about 50 mm long. Growing to 3-6meters in height and 2-4mt in width it is perfect for scented privacy screens or to hide fence lines, garden sheds, compost or bin area. Also looks great sprawling over tree stumps or retaining walls.

With its exceptional perfume it creates a great sensory experience in the garden from spring to summer when in flower. There is no need to plant exotic Jasmine when we have Jasminum suavissimum at our finger tips.

J. suavissimum naturally occurring in open forest of eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. It is hardy in most reasonably drained soils. It works well as a potted plant in a large pot with well drained soil and Native potting mix. It does prefer full sun but will happily grow in partial shade and is moderately frost resistant. If damaged by frost it will usually recover quickly.

Propagation is easy from cuttings of hardened, current season’s growth. Seeds also germinate well without any pre-treatment. I love to use this species in a ‘wild’ planting design or as a spillover to cover the edges, its scented flowers are also a big plus.