Stefanotis

Class

Dicotyledonae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Apocynaceae

Order

Gentianales

Genus

Stephanotis

Species

floribunda

Description

A shrub of tropical origin, with glossy, dark green, leathery foliage and highly fragrant white flowers from May to August. It can be bought in bloom even in winter, but in this case it should be placed indoors, sheltered from low temperatures, as it requires a warm climate to thrive.

A climbing plant, it can reach a height of up to 2 or 3 metres; it can be transplanted into large pots, provided they can be moved indoors to shelter from the winter cold, if you wish to keep the plant for several years. In winter, it is essential to ensure a temperature of no less than 8–10°C and a reasonable amount of light. In summer, it should be placed outdoors in partial shade or light shade.

curiosity and special features

The profuse flowering of the Madagascar jasmine is also highlighted by its specific epithet ‘floribunda’, which means ‘flowering abundantly’.

The sweet, fruity scent of the flowers often intensifies during the evening and at night.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the tropical biome of Madagascar, where it was discovered in 1839.

Leaf

The leaves, which are evergreen and leathery, have an elongated, oval shape.

Leaf color

Plain, dark green and glossy.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.35 to 3 m, depending on its growth habit.

Lifespan

An evergreen perennial species, provided the correct temperature conditions for growth and development are maintained.

Suggested planting locations

Given the size it reaches under the most common growing conditions, it is recommended as a pot plant.

Stem/stem

A semi-woody shrub; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium size, with a tubular corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 100 and 120 days. It has sweet notes and is intensely fragrant, with a fruity aroma. It attracts bees and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium to vigorous growing species.

Plant habit

It is a shrub with a climbing habit, and it is advisable to provide support for the stems.

pH

It requires a slightly acidic growing medium, with an optimal pH of between 5.5 and 6.5.

sun exposure

Suitable for locations inpartial shade or dappled shade, sheltered from direct sunlight on the hottest, sunniest summer days.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 26 °C during the growing season. In winter, the temperature must not fall below 8–10 °C.

Use

Its abundant, fragrant flowering gives it a prominent role in:
Ornamental use

It is often grown as a houseplant due to its climate requirements.

Hardiness

It is moderately hardy and requires a warm climate.

Soil/medium

Use a well-draining growing medium; we recommend a potting mix for green houseplants made from a blend of finely ground light and dark peat.

Maintenance

It isfairly easy to grow, provided the right growing conditions are ensured.

cultivation tips

Some specific growing tips:
In summer, it prefers shaded positions to avoid drought stress and high afternoon temperatures Keep the growing medium dry in cool weather Move the plant indoors when temperatures fall below 12°C, ensuring it receives plenty of light

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is carried out by taking cuttings.

Irrigation

Allow the compost to dry out slightly between waterings.

Great care must be taken not to overwater the substrate, as this can lead to waterlogging; the plant is particularly susceptible to root asphyxia, especially at temperatures below 14°C.

It is sensitive to periods of drought in summer, particularly during the bud induction and formation stages, which may result in buds being lost.

Reduce watering during the winter dormant period.

Fertilization

From late spring to early autumn, add a general-purpose fertiliser for flowering plants to the potting compost, applying it in liquid form – that is, diluted in the watering water – without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency, on average every 10 to 15 days.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

advise 1

It is a tropical plant that does not shed its leaves in winter, provided that temperatures remain above 10°C. Care must always be taken with watering, as it is sensitive to periods of drought in summer – particularly during the bud induction and formation stages, when buds may be lost as a result – whilst it also suffers from waterlogging in both summer and winter, which can be fatal.