How to Grow Jasmine 'Inverleith'

Jasmine 'Inverleith'

Jasminum officinale 'Inverleith'

vine

Inverleith is a compact, variegated cultivar of common jasmine featuring cream and gold-splashed foliage with fragrant white star-shaped flowers. This semi-evergreen to deciduous climbing vine is prized for its ornamental leaves and delightful evening fragrance. It's an excellent choice for smaller gardens, containers, and trellises where its refined appearance and manageable growth habit shine.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and variegation

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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Drought-tolerant once established, but flowers best with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable; flowering begins in second year and improves with age

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; space 12 inches apart along support structure

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for organic matter Perlite or sand for drainage improvement Balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-11; may survive zone 7b with winter protection

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Establishment

3-6 months

Young vine with variegated foliage establishing root system and initial growth on support

Water regularly to keep soil moist; provide sturdy trellis or support. Remove any dead wood. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Vigorous growth with variegated cream and gold leaves becoming more pronounced; vine extends along support structure

Continue regular watering and feeding. Gently train stems along trellis or framework. Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth if desired.

Pre-flowering

2-4 weeks

Plant reaches maturity with fuller foliage coverage and beginning to set flower buds along stems

Maintain consistent moisture. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer slightly to encourage flowering. Thin crowded stems to improve air circulation.

Flowering

4-6 months (May-October in temperate climates)

Abundant small, white, star-shaped flowers appear in clusters from late spring through summer and into fall, intensely fragrant especially in evening

Continue regular watering and moderate feeding. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Enjoy the fragrance, especially in evening hours.

Winter Dormancy/Rest

3-4 months

Semi-evergreen foliage may yellow and drop in colder zones; growth slows significantly

Reduce watering substantially. Apply winter mulch in zone 8. In zone 7b, provide shelter or grow in container and move to protected location. Minimal pruning.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Clematis Climbing roses Honeysuckle Lavender Rosemary Catmint Ornamental grasses Boxwood

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (allelopathic) Aggressive vines that compete for space Plants requiring dry conditions

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity around plant.
Remove by hand with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray.
Scrape off manually or spray with horticultural oil during dormant season. Use insecticidal soap on crawler stage.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days as needed.
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water). Prune affected areas.

Uses

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Fragrant Flower Tea

Culinary

Jasmine flowers can be brewed into a delicate, aromatic herbal tea with a light floral flavor and subtle sweetness. Commonly used in Asian tea traditions, jasmine flower tea is known for its calming properties and beautiful presentation. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

In traditional medicine systems, jasmine flowers have been used to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. The essential oil and flower extracts contain compounds believed to have mild sedative and mood-enhancing properties. [source]

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Fragrance & Perfumery

Household

Jasmine flowers are a classic ingredient in perfumery and fragrance products, prized for their intoxicating, sweet floral scent. Dried flowers can be placed in rooms, added to potpourri, or used to create scented sachets. [source]

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Fresh & Dried Floral Arrangements

Craft

The delicate white flowers and variegated foliage make excellent additions to fresh flower arrangements, wedding decorations, and dried botanical displays. The elegant appearance complements both modern and traditional design styles. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Jasmine flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their abundant nectar and fragrance, supporting local ecosystems. Its long flowering season provides sustained nectar availability for beneficial insects. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Jasmine is grown for ornamental flowers and foliage, not harvested for food. For floral arrangements, cut stems in early morning when flowers have just opened. For fresh flower tea or culinary use, harvest fully open flowers in late morning after dew dries but before heat of day. Flowers are best used fresh or dried immediately.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Inverleith' references the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's Inverleith House, where this variegated cultivar was discovered and developed, making it a Scottish treasure in the horticultural world.
🌱 Jasmine flowers release their strongest fragrance in the evening and at night, a characteristic that helps attract night-pollinating moths and contributes to its romantic reputation in gardens.
🌱 Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is the national flower of the Philippines and Pakistan, and jasmine flowers have been used in perfumery and tea for over 2,000 years, particularly valued in Middle Eastern and Asian cultures.

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