Want a plant that is classy, lush green, tropical looking and has a heavenly scent.
Stephanotis floribunda is the plant for you.
For what ever reason this beautiful climber isn’t widely grown anymore. This makes it even more special as not everyone has one.
Stephanotis, or Madagascan jasmine has the most wonderful bunches of large starry white blooms and an absolutely delicious perfume. Mine just has one bunch of flowers open and I can catch that whiff of something special as I walk past. I can’t wait till all the bunches are open.
For years I’ve seen it used in floral bouquets especially for wedding parties, years ago it used to be called the Wedding Flower!
This luscious plant is a vigorous climber that's native to parts of Africa, Madagascar and Asia.
Stephanotis can be grown throughout most of Queensland, although the plant doesn't thrive in the cold and is frost tender. I have seen very old large ones in colder climates. I think they must of been protected while they were young.
It likes a warm, sunny position and can be grown either in pots or against a warm wall, which will retain the heat. It likes a rich, well drained soil and can grow up to 5 metres high, so it needs support with a trellis. But remember full sun can sometimes burn the flowers, so try giving it a little shade.
Stephanotis, when fully grown, is a great plant for covering large spaces, and is also useful for screening unsightly areas. Think of a star jasmine but with bigger leaves in its growth.
The dark green leathery leaves are very handsome even when they don't have any flowers. Stephanotis is great for adding a sense of presence and scent to the garden.
If you need to have a climber try Stephanotis and be that little bit different. Not everyone has one and I think you’ll enjoy the scent even more knowing you have an uncommon classy plant.