Cape jasmine Plant Care

Cape jasmine (Fagraea auriculata) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Fagraea genus. Cape jasmine is native to Indo-China and Malesia. Cape jasmine is also known as Mickey Mouse plant, Golden gardenia.

Cape jasmine displays a small tree, upright habit growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Cape jasmine produces fragrant white tubular flowers in clusters.

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 trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cape jasmine thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Fagraea auriculata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Cape jasmine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. 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 trees 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape jasmine is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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

Cape jasmine can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 tree 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 tree in one year.

Cape jasmine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pua keni keni plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cape jasmine is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Cape jasmine is native to Indo-China and Malesia. In cooler regions, grow Cape jasmine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.