What is Pink Jasmine?

Pink Jasmine is a popular flower used in may gardens across the world. It is valuable both for its appearance and pleasant fragrance, which tends to be one of the strongest in the jasmine family. Gardeners can plant pink jasmine in most mild climates and enjoy its sweet blossoms every year.

Definition
Pink jasmine is an evergreen vine originally grown in China. It has large, deep-green leaves and produces clusters of flowers which are small and star-shaped. There are several different varieties and they may all be referred to as either pink winter jasmine or simply jasmine. It is spread primarily through cuttings and layering.

Uses
Normally, pink jasmine is a very fast-growing vine, and can quickly cover 20 feet of fence or other material. However, gardeners can also choose to aggressively prune back their jasmine and turn it into a shrub. Homeowners tend to plant the jasmine by trellises or in corners where it can easily dominate and become a main landscaping feature. The scent of the pink jasmine is also used in several oils and perfumes.

Soil and Water
Pink jasmine grows best in neutral soils, anywhere from 6 to 8 on the pH scale. It will grow more quickly if it is helped out by fertilizers. The jasmine plant loves water and prefers well-draining soils and a continual source of water, although overwatering will quickly drown it. Owners often administer liquid fertilizers from spring until autumn to encourage growth.

Blooming
Pink jasmine actually produces white flowers: only the hanging buds are pink, before they begin to bloom. In the proper climate the plant will begin to bloom as early as February, although it may be a few months later in colder areas. The warmer the weather, the earlier in summer it will stop blooming, since the plant does not like too much heat. It is important that the jasmine sense the temperature changes of the seasons so it will produce new buds every year.

Location
When it comes to sunlight, the pink jasmine is very resistant to direct heat and prefers full sunlight when possible, although lightly shaded areas also work. Because the vine grows so quickly and easily, it should be planted in a place where it is easy to control and cannot jump fences and invade other gardens.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_6642856_pink-jasmine_.html