Water Jasmine

Plant Details

• Common Name: Water Jasmine, Wild Water Plum

• Botanical Name: Wrightia religiosa

• Family: Apocynaceae

• Type: Tropical evergreen shrub / small tree

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.)

• Appearance:

  • Can grow 2–3 m tall (sometimes more if unpruned).

  • Graceful, arching branches with light green, narrow leaves.

  • Produces clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers that resemble jasmine.

  • Blooms multiple times a year, especially in warm, humid climates.

 Care Guide

• Sun Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. More sunlight = more blooms.

• Watering: Loves moisture (hence the name), but soil should be well-drained. Keep slightly moist, don’t let it dry completely.

• Soil: Rich, fertile soil with good drainage. A mix of garden soil + compost + sand works well.

• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer or organic compost every 2–3 weeks during growing and blooming seasons.

• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching. Responds well to pruning → perfect for bonsai.

• Propagation: Easily propagated by seeds, cuttings, or air-layering.

Uses & Benefits

1. Ornamental Plant:

   • Grown in gardens, near water features, or as potted plants.

   • Extremely popular for bonsai due to its small leaves, fragrant flowers, and elegant form.

2. Fragrance:

   • Flowers are sweetly scented, especially in the evening.

3. Landscaping:

   • Can be shaped into hedges, borders, or decorative flowering trees.

4. Cultural Uses:

   • In Southeast Asia, often used in temple gardens and traditional bonsai displays.