Jasminum azoricum - Lemon-Scented Jasmine

Jasminum azoricum, also known as the White Azorean Jasmine, is a beautiful tender climber, famous for the fragrance of its small white flowers, finely star-shaped. It is a climber with elegant dark green evergreen foliage, capable of climbing up to 4m (13ft) in height. It blooms during a long summer period. They perfume a whole area of the garden or even a large terrace on summer evenings. This plant has its place in the scented garden, in an evergreen hedge or in a large pot on the balcony or terrace.

Jasminum azoricum (syn. Jasminum suaveolens) belongs to the oleaceae family. Native to the Portuguese island of Madeira, this evergreen botanical species is now endangered in its natural habitat. Not very hardy but perfectly adapted to the mildest Mediterranean climates, this jasmine is capable of regrowing from its stump after freezing. This liana will reach 3 to 4m (10 to 13ft) in height under favorable conditions and spread over 1 to 2m (3 to 7ft), with fairly rapid growth. Flowering is long in moist soil, lasting at least three months, from June to September. In dry and hot climates, it has a period of rest in August and resumes in September, with the return of rain. The plant is covered with numerous paniculate inflorescences bearing dark pink buds that open into small pure white star-shaped flowers, with 5 slender and elongated petals, 2cm (1in) in diameter. The strong fragrance, without being overpowering, is reminiscent of orange blossom. The evergreen foliage is composed of pinnate leaves with 7 leaflets, shiny dark green. The stems become woody and light brown with age, devoid of leaves. The young branches, which bear the foliage, are green, angular or channelled.

In suitable climates, the White Azorean Jasmine climbs over bushes, trellises, arches, pergolas, stair railings or balconies. Plant it in a container on a terrace, so that it can be stored away for winter and to fully enjoy its intense fragrance. However, avoid placing it near a bedroom with an open window; some claim that its fragrance disrupts sleep and can cause headaches. Allow space for this vigorous climber that can quickly cover a wall adorned with a trellis. It can be combined, in the ground or in a pot on the terrace, with another climbing plant with a staggered flowering time such as Clematis cirrhosa, Jasminum nudiflorum or Ampelaster carolinianus.

Its highly fragrant flowers are used in perfumery, to flavour tea, and are used in traditional remedies in Asia. The essential oil extracted from it is used in both perfumery and cooking. Its aroma can be found in maraschino cherries.