False Jasmine Plant Care

False Jasmine (Gardneria multiflora) belongs to the Loganiaceae family within the Gardneria genus. False Jasmine is native to North Central China, South Central China, Southeast China, Japan, and Taiwan.

False Jasmine displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. False Jasmine produces fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted False 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.

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

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

Loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for False Jasmine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed False 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 loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

False Jasmine is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

False 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 False 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.

False Jasmine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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

False Jasmine is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

False Jasmine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. False Jasmine is native to North Central China, South Central China, Southeast China, Japan, and Taiwan. In cooler regions, grow False Jasmine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.