Chapter 110 Murraya paniculata
110.1 Orange jessamine
A bonsai-trained Murraya paniculata (orange jasmine), aged c. 215 years, Montreal Botanical Garden. Link to original image.
110.2 Soil: Rich Mix
Ratio: 4 parts bark, 1 part coir, 1 part grit
Add-ins: dolomitic limestone (~5 lbs/yd), Tree-Tone (15 lbs/yd)
pH: ~6.5 (slightly below neutral)
Moisture: moisture retaining
110.3 Light
Routine: full sun to part shade, and protected from wind.
Summer: likes some mid-day shade
110.4 Cultivation Notes
110.4.1 Potting & Root Pruning
Schedule: repot in winter when growth slows down.
110.4.1.1 Top & Branch Management
Heavy pruning: can prune anytime. It tolerates aggressive pruning. Free-growing specimens can reach 20 feet, but in good conditions it can be pruned to 3 feet high. That said, avoid harsh pruning more than once. It is best not to remove more than one-eighth of the shrub’s total growth per year.
The orange jasmine grows very quickly while young and may need several prunings to keep its shape. Use less aggressive, more frequent pruning as needed to manage branches that are dead, damaged, or diseased.
Fine pruning: can cut the compound leaves to 2 leaflets.
Leaf pruning: not appropriate for this species.
Wiring: be very careful with wire; the bark is thin and slips easily from the underlying wood. This species responds well to tying down and guy wires.
110.4.2 Feeding
Foliage and flowers of orange jessamine. Link to original image.
Feed orange jasmine plants once every three to four weeks throughout the growing season (spring through fall), using a fertilizer designed for evergreen plants. Alternatively, if the plant is in a container, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs. Boost fertilizer with additional phosphorus if blooms are weak or infrequent.
110.4.3 Pests & Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for mealy bugs, scale and whiteflies. Root rot may occur if the soil is kept too damp.
110.4.4 Winter Storage
MUST come indoors here in Piedmont NC.
110.5 Propagation Notes
Easily propagated by seed from the red-orange fruits. I have grown them successfully from seed that I collected from fruits on trees in training.
They are sold regularly in garden centers, so finding a larger starter tree should not be a problem.
110.6 Artistic & Styling Notes
They do not close wounds, so pruning scars will always be visible.
110.7 Additional Information
110.7.1 Natural History
An evergreen species of shrub or small tree that is native to China, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. It is only hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 10-12, so must come indoors in winter here. Healthy specimens bloom freely and heavily, with a fragrance that is similar to oranges and jasmine (hence the name). Flowers are followed by ovoid, red fruits (each to 1/2" long), each with 1-2 seeds. Plants may display flowers and fruits at the same time.
110.7.2 In Cultivation
I think that this is a beautiful shrub when it is healthy, but overall I cannot recommend it. They are supposedly very hardy, but I find them to be fussy and short-lived. I am sure that I am doing something wrong, but I do not know what it is. If anyone has suggestions, please share.