How to Grow Orange Jasmine
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Orange Jasmine
Murraya paniculata
shrubOrange Jasmine is a tropical evergreen shrub known for its fragrant white flowers and small orange berries. It grows as a dense, ornamental plant valued for its sweet-scented blossoms and attractive foliage. Native to Southeast Asia, it's popular in warm climates as a hedge, screen plant, and specimen shrub.
When should you plant Orange Jasmine in your zone?
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Example Orange Jasmine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Orange Jasmine
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Orange Jasmine
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Orange Jasmine dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; can be grown in zone 10a with protection
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Get my Orange Jasmine timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Young Transplant
4-8 weeksSmall plant with 2-4 true leaves, delicate green foliage
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright, filtered light. Protect from direct harsh sun initially.
Establishment
2-3 monthsPlant grows 12-18 inches with multiple branches developing; foliage becomes denser
Water regularly as soil dries slightly. Begin light pruning to encourage bushiness. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (spring/early summer and fall)Abundant clusters of small white flowers appear throughout canopy, intensely fragrant especially in evening
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote blooming. Maintain consistent watering. Do not prune heavily during flowering.
Fruiting
6-8 weeksSmall orange to red berries develop after flowers fade; berries are ornamental and edible
Continue regular watering and care. Berries mature over several weeks and provide food for birds. Allow some berries to remain for wildlife.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plant.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation.
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Remove manually with soft brush; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; prune heavily infested branches.
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Spray with rubbing alcohol solution or neem oil; isolate affected plant to prevent spread.
Uses
Edible Berries
CulinaryThe orange berries are edible and sweet, eaten fresh or used in jams and preserves in Southeast Asian cuisine. Rich in vitamin C and traditionally used in folk remedies. [source]
Ornamental Fragrance
HouseholdIntensely fragrant white flowers are valued for their sweet evening scent, making the plant ideal for patios, entryways, and near windows. Cut flowers can be used in arrangements or to scent rooms. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Southeast Asian medicine, leaves, flowers, and berries are used to treat various ailments including fever, inflammation, and digestive issues. Modern research explores antimicrobial properties. [source]
Privacy Screen & Hedge
HouseholdDense growth habit makes it excellent for creating living hedges, screens, and privacy barriers in tropical and subtropical landscapes. Can be trained as topiary. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Food
WildlifeFragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Orange berries provide food for birds and wildlife in tropical gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Berries are ready to harvest when fully orange-red, typically 6-8 weeks after flowering. Pick by hand or allow birds to enjoy them naturally. Flowers can be picked for fragrance but are best enjoyed on the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Orange Jasmine is also called 'Curry Leaf Tree' by some, though it is distinct from true curry leaf (Murraya koenigii). Its leaves are occasionally used as a subtle aromatic herb in cooking.
- 🌱 The name 'Murraya' honors the Swedish botanist Johann Andreas Murray, and the intense fragrance of the flowers is most pronounced in the evening, attracting night-pollinating insects.
- 🌱 In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, Murraya paniculata has been used for centuries, and recent studies have identified compounds with potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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