Flower Library
Jasmine
Jasminum officinale · Oleaceae (Olivengewächse)
Jasmine is the very essence of summer fragrance: delicate, star-shaped white flowers on supple shoots that release their famously sweet, intoxicating scent in the evening. As an accent it lends bouquets an airy lightness few other blooms can match. Because we buy directly at the Veiling, this sensitive flower reaches our Pempelfort workshop without detours and therefore exceptionally fresh.
- Season
- June – July – August – September
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Latin name
- Jasminum officinale
- Colors
- Pure white, Cream white, pink-tinged (buds)
Botanically, common jasmine belongs to the olive family and is in fact a woody climbing shrub with pinnate leaves of five to nine leaflets. For floristry the long flowering shoots are cut, preserving the characteristic trailing silhouette. Alongside the classic white Jasminum officinale, the large-flowered Jasminum grandiflorum also appears in the trade and is especially prized in perfumery.
In floristry jasmine is above all a character accent. Its slender, arching shoots break up compact arrangements and create movement and depth. We love using it in summer bridal bouquets, in romantic table settings and wherever scent should play a role alongside the visual. Just a few stems can perfume an entire room.
Quality jasmine shows firm, still-closed to half-open buds and strong, unwilted foliage. The bloom is naturally short-lived and sensitive to heat and draughts, which makes origin and cold chain decisive. A1 goods, fresh from the auction and kept consistently cool, last considerably longer than hastily traded imports passed through multiple wholesale stages.
Stylistically jasmine pairs beautifully with everything evoking a summer garden and romance: roses, peonies, sweet peas and soft greens. Its pure white reads as elegant and restrained, while the scent gives any bouquet an emotional note. For a natural look, combine it loosely with grasses and gypsophila for a light, almost wild posy.
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle with a clean knife and place them straight into lukewarm, fresh water.
- 02Top up the vase with fresh water every day or every other day and add a measured dose of flower food.
- 03Keep jasmine as cool as possible and protected from direct sun and draughts, which markedly extends its life.
- 04Do not place it near bowls of fruit: the ripening gas ethylene makes the delicate blooms age faster.
- 05Remove faded individual flowers regularly so the whole shoot stays fresh and attractive for longer.
Frequently asked
- How long does jasmine last as a cut flower in the vase?
- Jasmine is naturally rather short-lived and usually lasts five to eight days. Kept cool, away from draughts and with fresh water daily, fresh A1 material reaches the upper end of that range. Freshness at purchase is decisive, as this sensitive bloom reacts strongly to long transport routes.
- Is common jasmine toxic to cats and dogs?
- Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is classed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Beware of confusion with false jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) or night-blooming jasmine, which are highly toxic. True botanical Jasminum poses no serious risk, although larger amounts of plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, as with many plants.
- When is jasmine in season?
- Common jasmine blooms outdoors from June to September, making it a classic high-summer flower. During this period the fragrant cut material is also readily available at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, allowing us to use it fresh for summer bouquets.
- Why does jasmine smell stronger in the evening?
- Jasmine releases its scent mainly at dusk and during the night to attract nocturnal pollinators. This is why the flowers are traditionally harvested at night for perfume production. In the vase, too, the sweet, intoxicating fragrance unfolds most strongly towards evening.