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Plant Profiles / Murraya (orange jessamine)
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Murraya (orange jessamine)
Murraya paniculata · Orange jessamine, mock orange
A glossy evergreen shrub covered in sweetly scented white flowers several times a year. One of Australia's most popular hedging plants.
Full sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Flowers best in sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Water regularly in pots and dry weather.
Humidity
Average to high
LowHigh
Likes warmth and humidity.
Temperature
0–38°C (32–100°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender when young.
Growth
Moderate to fast, dense
SlowFast
Grows 2–3 m; easily kept at 1 m.
Soil
Well-drained, enriched
LeanRich
Add compost.
Fertiliser
Spring & autumn
RarelyOften
Citrus or general fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Native to South-East Asia and northern Australia, murraya has orange-blossom fragrance and responds beautifully to clipping. It makes a dense, fragrant hedge or screen and works well in large balcony troughs.
Best spots
Hedges, screens, balcony troughs, courtyards and near seating where the scent can be enjoyed.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Murraya paniculata |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Origin | South-East Asia & northern Australia |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub |
| Mature size | 2–3 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate to fast |
| Foliage | Glossy dark green leaflets |
| Flowers | Fragrant white flowers |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Prune
Fertilise
FloweringPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Yellow leaves | Cold, wet soil or nutrient deficiency. |
| Black sooty leaves | Scale or aphids. |
| Few flowers | Too much shade or over-pruning. |
| Sparse base | Trim more regularly. |
| Leaf drop in winter | Cold stress. |
Common questions
How often does it flower?
Several flushes from spring to autumn.
How often should I trim the hedge?
After each flowering flush.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes.
Does it smell like orange blossom?
Yes, it's in the citrus family.
