Photo: Michael BerardozziCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
New Zealand Jasmine Plant Care
Parsonsia heterophylla A.Cunn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins make it stand out in any collection. Originating from Australia and New Zealand, its attractive foliage and ability to climb make it a sought-after addition for plant collectors looking for a unique and visually striking specimen.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for New Zealand Jasmine?
Water New Zealand Jasmine every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the New Zealand Jasmine Native To?
What Is the New Zealand Jasmine?
New Zealand Jasmine (Parsonsia heterophylla) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Parsonsia genus. New Zealand Jasmine is native to New Zealand. New Zealand Jasmine is also known as Native Jasmine, Bush Jasmine, Kaihua.
New Zealand Jasmine displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. New Zealand Jasmine produces small, fragrant clusters of white or pink tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a New Zealand Jasmine?
Parsonsia heterophylla requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the New Zealand Jasmine Need?
New Zealand Jasmine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing New Zealand Jasmine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the New Zealand Jasmine Prefer?
Parsonsia heterophylla grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. New Zealand Jasmine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a New Zealand Jasmine?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite and orchid bark. Good drainage is essential for New Zealand Jasmine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a New Zealand Jasmine?
Feed New Zealand Jasmine every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a New Zealand Jasmine?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a New Zealand Jasmine?
New Zealand Jasmine can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand daphne plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the New Zealand Jasmine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the New Zealand Jasmine?
New Zealand 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the New Zealand Jasmine Need?
New Zealand Jasmine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. New Zealand Jasmine is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow New Zealand Jasmine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
New Zealand Jasmine is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Parsonsia genus — compare its care with other Parsonsia species on PlantoScan.
Parsonsia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
New Zealand Jasmine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Parsonsia Species
Other Parsonsia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Parsonsia heterophylla A.Cunn., family Apocynaceae (first published in Ann. Nat. Hist. 2: 46 (1839)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: New Zealand Jasmine is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Michael Berardozzi, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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