shrub

Orange Jasmine

Murraya paniculata

The Story

Plant Bio

Murraya paniculata, the orange jasmine, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Asia and parts of northern Australia. It features dense, glossy dark green foliage and clusters of highly fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in flushes from spring through fall.

The new foliage emerges in a bright, light chartreuse green, creating a sharp contrast against the mature dark green leaves. The blossoms emit a powerful scent closely resembling orange blossoms, followed by small fruits.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesValued for its dense, glossy evergreen foliage and highly fragrant white flowers that bloom repeatedly throughout the warm months.
Practical UsesFunctions as an excellent dense formal hedge, privacy screen, or container specimen for patios.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nectar and pollen for generalist pollinators, bees, and butterflies in warm climates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia and Australasia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets; foliage may cause mild skin irritation

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as it was in the nursery container.
  3. Water deeply at the base immediately after planting, and maintain regular moisture until the root system is fully established.
  4. Apply a balanced, slow-release complete fertilizer every three to four months during the active spring and summer growing seasons.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing the outer foliage into a tight geometric shell with electric hedgers; this shades out the interior branches, creating a hollow, woody framework that is highly susceptible to pests and dieback.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Prune lightly two to three times per year during active growth to maintain shape and density.
  • Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
  • Monitor foliage for contact dermatitis, as the leaves contain coumarins that can irritate sensitive skin.

Don't

  • Do not prune hard into old, bare, brown wood, as latent buds in these areas fail to reshoot reliably.
  • Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water or waterlogged soil.
  • Do not plant this species in central or southern Florida, where it is classified as an invasive exotic.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal hedgePrivacy screenSpecimen plantContainer plantFoundation planting

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Orange Jasmine questions

What zones can Orange Jasmine grow in?

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 Orange Jasmine deer resistant?

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

When does Orange Jasmine bloom?

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

Does Orange Jasmine need full sun?

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

Is Orange Jasmine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), 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 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.