Jasminum officinale (Common Jasmine)

Common Jasmine, also called Poet's Jasmine or True Jasmine, is a vigorous deciduous twining vine valued above almost all others for the intensity of its fragrance. Small white flowers open in clusters from pink buds from late spring through summer and into early fall, releasing a sweet perfume that is strongest in the evening and on warm, humid days. This is the jasmine of old cottage gardens and literary references, a plant that has been cultivated for centuries and that performs with real strength in Pacific Northwest gardens west of the Cascades.

Hardy in zones 7 to 10, Common Jasmine is well-suited to the Oregon coast. Plants quickly reach 15 to 20 feet with sturdy support and spread nearly as wide, so give it a substantial trellis, fence, pergola, or arbor. It is not fussy about soil fertility as long as drainage is good, and once established it is notably disease-resistant and ignored by deer. Prune after the main bloom flush or in early spring to shape the plant and encourage the strongest new flowering growth.

Jasminum officinale is listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA, which makes it a welcoming choice in gardens shared with pets. For the best fragrance, plant near a seating area, gate, or window where the evening scent can be fully appreciated.