Cape Jasmine Plant Care

Cape Jasmine (Allocassine laurifolia) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Allocassine genus. Cape Jasmine is native to southeastern Africa, ranging from eastern Zimbabwe to Mozambique, Eswatini, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Cape Provinces. Cape Jasmine is also known as Laurustinus.

Cape Jasmine displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Cape Jasmine produces small clusters of fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape Jasmine every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cape Jasmine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cape Jasmine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Allocassine laurifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Cape Jasmine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cape Jasmine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape Jasmine every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape Jasmine is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cape Jasmine can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cape Jasmine while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Cape Jasmine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cape Jasmine can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cape Jasmine is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cape Jasmine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Cape Jasmine is native to southeastern Africa, ranging from eastern Zimbabwe to Mozambique, Eswatini, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Cape Provinces. In cooler regions, grow Cape Jasmine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.