Rutaceae
Murraya paniculata
Create an instant luxury look with Orange Jasmine Topiary. Its dense, glossy foliage forms a perfect green sphere, while warm bright conditions reward you with clusters of sweetly fragrant white flowers. Perfect for front doors, patios, and reception areas—neat, elegant, and easy to maintain with simple, regular clipping.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Orange Jasmine Topiary
Botanical Name: Murraya paniculata
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Ornamental topiary shrub
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0202
Alternative Names:
Mock orange
Orange jessamine
Murraya exotica
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Murraya
3. Origin & Distribution
Murraya paniculata is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, southern China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It has been widely introduced and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, notably in Florida, Hawaii, and parts of Australia, where it is used extensively as an ornamental hedge and topiary plant.
4. Visual Characteristics
An evergreen shrub with pinnate leaves bearing 5–7 glossy, elliptic leaflets (2–4 cm long). In spring and summer it produces clusters of small, tubular, pure white, highly fragrant flowers (1–1.5 cm across). Fruits are small, spherical berries turning bright orange to red when mature, about 1 cm in diameter.
5. Size & Dimensions
Natural growth: 3–4 m tall and wide if unpruned. As a standard topiary: trunk trained to 1–2 m height with a spherical canopy typically 0.5–1 m in diameter. Can be maintained at smaller sizes with regular clipping.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun to light shade. Best flowering and foliage density achieved with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Tolerates partial shade, though bloom production may decline.
7. Watering Needs
Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil begins to dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. During hot, dry periods, increase frequency; reduce slightly in cooler months.
8. Soil & Potting
Grows best in fertile, well-draining loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5). In containers use a premium potting mix amended with organic matter and perlite or fine bark to ensure good drainage.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal growth between 18°C and 30°C. Tolerates down to 10°C but suffers damage below 5°C. Prefers moderate to high humidity; in dry indoor environments, occasional misting or humidity tray is beneficial.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) every 4–6 weeks during the active growing season (spring through early autumn). Alternatively, use a slow-release granular formula in spring. Reduce feeding in winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate care. Requires regular pruning or clipping every 6–8 weeks to maintain a neat, spherical canopy. Remove dead or crossing branches. Monitor for pests and adjust water/fertilizer as needed to sustain healthy growth.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation is commonly by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer; rooting hormone and bottom heat improve success. Seed propagation is possible but less reliable; germination occurs in 2–3 weeks under warm, moist conditions.
13. Common Problems
Pests: Aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, spider mites. Diseases: Sooty mold (secondary to sap-sucking pests), root rot from overwatering. Cultural issues: Leaf drop in low light or sudden temperature changes.
14. Benefits & Uses
Highly ornamental for formal hedges, topiary standards, patio containers, and entranceways. Fragrant blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Can be trained as a small tree or espalier. Suitable for bonsai.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and common household pets. Berries are slightly bitter but not known to be poisonous.
Murraya paniculata
Create an instant luxury look with Orange Jasmine Topiary. Its dense, glossy foliage forms a perfect green sphere, while warm bright conditions reward you with clusters of sweetly fragrant white flowers. Perfect for front doors, patios, and reception areas—neat, elegant, and easy to maintain with simple, regular clipping.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Orange Jasmine Topiary
Botanical Name: Murraya paniculata
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Ornamental topiary shrub
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0202
Alternative Names:
Mock orange
Orange jessamine
Murraya exotica
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Murraya
3. Origin & Distribution
Murraya paniculata is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, southern China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It has been widely introduced and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, notably in Florida, Hawaii, and parts of Australia, where it is used extensively as an ornamental hedge and topiary plant.
4. Visual Characteristics
An evergreen shrub with pinnate leaves bearing 5–7 glossy, elliptic leaflets (2–4 cm long). In spring and summer it produces clusters of small, tubular, pure white, highly fragrant flowers (1–1.5 cm across). Fruits are small, spherical berries turning bright orange to red when mature, about 1 cm in diameter.
5. Size & Dimensions
Natural growth: 3–4 m tall and wide if unpruned. As a standard topiary: trunk trained to 1–2 m height with a spherical canopy typically 0.5–1 m in diameter. Can be maintained at smaller sizes with regular clipping.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun to light shade. Best flowering and foliage density achieved with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Tolerates partial shade, though bloom production may decline.
7. Watering Needs
Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil begins to dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. During hot, dry periods, increase frequency; reduce slightly in cooler months.
8. Soil & Potting
Grows best in fertile, well-draining loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5). In containers use a premium potting mix amended with organic matter and perlite or fine bark to ensure good drainage.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal growth between 18°C and 30°C. Tolerates down to 10°C but suffers damage below 5°C. Prefers moderate to high humidity; in dry indoor environments, occasional misting or humidity tray is beneficial.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) every 4–6 weeks during the active growing season (spring through early autumn). Alternatively, use a slow-release granular formula in spring. Reduce feeding in winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate care. Requires regular pruning or clipping every 6–8 weeks to maintain a neat, spherical canopy. Remove dead or crossing branches. Monitor for pests and adjust water/fertilizer as needed to sustain healthy growth.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation is commonly by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer; rooting hormone and bottom heat improve success. Seed propagation is possible but less reliable; germination occurs in 2–3 weeks under warm, moist conditions.
13. Common Problems
Pests: Aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, spider mites. Diseases: Sooty mold (secondary to sap-sucking pests), root rot from overwatering. Cultural issues: Leaf drop in low light or sudden temperature changes.
14. Benefits & Uses
Highly ornamental for formal hedges, topiary standards, patio containers, and entranceways. Fragrant blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Can be trained as a small tree or espalier. Suitable for bonsai.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and common household pets. Berries are slightly bitter but not known to be poisonous.