Crape Jasmine (Tabernaemontana divaricata)

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Crape Jasmine
Latin Name: Tabernaemontana divaricata
Alternate Names: Pinwheel Flower, East Indian Rosebay
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9–11 (tender in colder climates. Does best in frost free areas. Can be container grown and moved indoors in cooler zones).
Typical Height: 2–6 ft (60–180 cm).
Typical Spread: 3–6 ft (90–180 cm).
Bloom Period: Often blooms for long periods in frost free areas. Peak flowering commonly spring through fall in subtropical climates.
Soil Preferences: Best in fertile, well drained soil. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH. Poor drainage and waterlogged soil can cause root rot.
Light Preferences: Full sun to part shade. More sun generally increases flowering while hot afternoon sun in very warm areas may benefit from light shade.
Toxicity: Contains alkaloids and milky sap. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset and more serious symptoms. May be toxic to pets and can irritate skin on contact.
Propagation: Softwood or semi ripe cuttings, air layering, and seed. Cuttings root readily and preserve cultivar traits.

Key Facts

Evergreen tropical shrub with glossy dark green leaves.
Showy white pinwheel flowers are often fragrant.
Commonly used as a hedge, specimen shrub, or container plant.
Prefers well drained, fertile soil and regular moisture.
Tolerates pruning and can be shaped readily.
Can bloom for long periods in frost free climates.
Contains milky sap and plant alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested.
Propagated by cuttings, layering, or seed.

Crape Jasmine, Tabernaemontana divaricata, is an evergreen tropical shrub prized for glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white pinwheel flowers. It works well as a low hedge, specimen shrub, or container plant in warm sites, while sensitivity to frost limits outdoor use in cooler climates.

Identification

Glossy evergreen leaves and distinctive white pinwheel flowers identify this shrub. Mature plants commonly range from 2 to 6 feet tall with a spread of about 3 to 6 feet depending on pruning and cultivar. Flowers are often fragrant and appear repeatedly in warm conditions.

Where to grow and best uses

Grow outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11 where frost is rare. Use as a formal or informal hedge, a specimen near paths for scent, or in large containers that can be moved in cooler weather. In marginal climates keep plants in pots and bring them under cover when frosts threaten.

Soil and light

Plant in fertile, well drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH for best vigor. The shrub tolerates a range of soils if drainage is good. It performs in full sun to part shade, with more sun generally increasing flower production and light afternoon shade helping in very hot sites.

Watering and moisture management

Maintain regular moisture to keep foliage glossy and encourage frequent flowering. Avoid waterlogged conditions because poor drainage leads to root rot and reduced plant health. In containers use a free draining potting mix and monitor soil moisture more closely than for ground planted specimens.

Planting and containers

Plant outdoors when risk of frost has passed in your area or grow in containers to move plants indoors in cooler seasons. Space plants according to mature spread to allow airflow and reduce disease risk. Large containers suit this shrub when regular watering and fertile potting mix are provided.

Pruning and after flowering care

Crape Jasmine tolerates pruning and shapes readily, making it easy to keep to desired height and width. Light formative pruning after heavy flowering encourages fresh growth and more blooms. Remove any dead or crossing branches to maintain a healthy, bushy habit.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi ripe cuttings and by air layering to preserve cultivar traits, or grow from seed if variation is acceptable. Cuttings tend to root readily in warm, humid conditions and are the fastest method to reproduce a chosen form.

Safety and toxicity

The plant contains milky sap and alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and skin irritation if handled or eaten. Keep plants away from children and pets, avoid ingesting any plant parts, and seek advice from poison control or a veterinarian if exposure occurs.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Crape Jasmine grow?: Growth rate varies with climate, soil and care, but plants commonly reach their typical height of 2 to 6 feet. In warm, well watered sites vigour is greater and plants fill their space more quickly.
Is Crape Jasmine toxic to pets?: Yes, the plant contains toxic alkaloids and milky sap that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation. Keep pets away and contact a veterinarian or poison control for suspected ingestion.
Can I grow Crape Jasmine in a container?: Yes, it adapts well to large containers. Use a free draining potting mix, provide regular moisture and move the container indoors or under cover in regions colder than USDA zone 9.
When does it bloom?: In warm climates the shrub flowers frequently during the growing season and can bloom for long periods in frost free areas. Peak display depends on local temperature and light.
How should I propagate it?: Take softwood or semi ripe cuttings or use air layering to retain cultivar characteristics. Seed is possible but may not come true to the parent plant.