shrub

Dwarf Orange Jasmine

Murraya paniculata 'Min-a-min'

The Story

Plant Bio

Murraya paniculata is an erect, densely branched evergreen shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Oceania. The species features glossy, deep green compound leaves and produces clusters of small, highly fragrant white flowers that emit an intense orange-blossom scent.

'Min-a-min' is a genetically distinct dwarf cultivar that maintains a compact, naturally rounded form reaching only three to five feet in height and width. Its fine-textured foliage emerges in a bright, contrasting lime-green shade, and the plant produces significantly fewer seeds than the wild type.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides a dense, fine-textured, deep green backdrop that contrasts beautifully with bright lime-green new growth and pure white, highly fragrant flowers.
Practical UsesFunctions as an exceptional low-maintenance formal hedge or container plant that requires minimal pruning to maintain its dwarf, rounded shape.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts bees, butterflies, and other generalist insect pollinators to its nectar-rich blossoms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia, Oceania

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

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F
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J
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In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with highly permeable, organic-rich loam.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and amend heavy soils with compost to ensure rapid drainage.
  3. Set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container, backfill, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
  4. Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Plant in mounded beds or amended soil to guarantee rapid drainage; heavy, waterlogged clay triggers Phytophthora root rot, which quickly destroys the root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells until the root system is fully established.
  • Shear lightly after major flowering flushes to maintain a crisp, formal shape.
  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs in early spring.

Don't

  • Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy clay soils where water pools.
  • Do not cut back severely into old, leafless wood, as it will fail to regenerate reliably.
  • Do not overwater, especially during cooler winter months when growth slows.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low Formal HedgeContainer SpecimenFoundation PlantingBorder Edging

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf Orange Jasmine questions

What zones can Dwarf Orange Jasmine grow in?

Dwarf Orange Jasmine is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dwarf Orange Jasmine deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Dwarf Orange Jasmine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Dwarf Orange Jasmine bloom?

Dwarf Orange Jasmine typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dwarf Orange Jasmine need full sun?

Dwarf Orange Jasmine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Dwarf Orange Jasmine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Orange Jasmine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Dwarf Orange Jasmine with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.