For those gardening in regions with hot summers, finding heat-tolerant shrubs that add beauty to a yard can be a challenge. One option to consider is the orange jessamine, a citrus-smelling shrub native to China, India, and Australia. This plant is attractive to pollinators and emits an alluring scent similar to orange blossoms, making it a great addition to any garden.
The orange jessamine, also known as Murraya paniculata, thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12 due to its heat tolerance and preference for humidity. It can be pruned and shaped easily to create a stunning hedge with glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers. The plant also produces pretty red berries that attract birds. While it can grow up to 20 feet in its natural habitat, it can be kept to a more manageable size in a garden.
How to grow orange jessamine in your yard
Before planting orange jessamine, check with local authorities as it is considered invasive in some regions like Florida and Hawaii. This low-maintenance plant thrives in organically rich, well-drained soil that is allowed to dry between watering. It can be grown in full sun or part shade but should be protected from strong winds.
While relatively pest-tolerant, orange jessamine can be susceptible to scale, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Control these pests with horticultural oil and yellow sticky traps. The plant can also attract the Asian citrus psyllid, so caution is advised if you live near citrus orchards. However, studies have shown that planting orange jessamine around citrus orchards can be beneficial as a trap crop. Overall, this heat-tolerant shrub will add interest to your landscape and attract bees, birds, and butterflies.
