10 Different Types Of Jasmine Flowers: Singapore Guide

That familiar, sweet fragrance drifting through a warm evening—it’s a scent that so many of us in Singapore know and love. It might remind you of a walk in the Botanic Gardens, a visit to a temple, or the garlands sold at Little India. 

More often than not, that captivating aroma comes from jasmine. But here’s a little secret: the world of this beloved flower is so much bigger than you might imagine. It’s time to look beyond the classic white petals and explore the many different types of jasmine flowers, each with a unique story and charm just waiting to blossom in your home.

1. Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) - Our National Treasure

As one of Singapore’s national flowers, this is the jasmine of our memories. It grows as a hardy, evergreen shrub with lush, oval-shaped leaves. Its iconic scent is most potent in the evening, a rich and heady perfume that’s simply intoxicating. 

You'll often find two popular forms: the single-petaled 'Maid of Orleans', perfect for making tea, and the multi-petaled, rose-like 'Grand Duke of Tuscany', which holds its fragrance beautifully. In our tropical climate, it blooms almost continuously, especially if you prune it back regularly to encourage new growth.

2. Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) - The Poet's Flower

Also called Poet's Jasmine, this is a graceful, semi-evergreen vine with distinctive leaves made up of many small, delicate leaflets. It produces clusters of pure white, star-shaped flowers that possess a wonderfully sweet but light fragrance, less intense than its Arabian cousin. 

It’s a fast climber, ideal for covering a trellis or archway, creating a romantic, cottage-garden feel. It tends to bloom in heavy flushes, filling the air with its delightful perfume, especially after a slightly dry period.

3. Spanish Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) - The Perfumer’s Choice

This is the celebrity of the perfume world. A close relative of Common Jasmine, this variety is prized for its larger flowers and an exceptionally potent, complex fragrance with sweet, fruity notes. The flower buds are often tinged with a lovely shade of pink or purple before they open. 

It’s a rambling, vigorous vine that needs strong support to flourish. Its powerful aroma makes it the top choice for creating the precious jasmine used in many of the world's most luxurious scents.

4. Downy Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum) - The Fluffy Star

Known for its incredible flower power, Downy Jasmine gets its name from the soft, velvety fuzz that covers its young stems and leaves. It grows into a dense, sprawling shrub that, when in bloom, becomes completely covered in huge clusters of brilliant white, star-like flowers. 

While it lacks the strong scent of other jasmines (some find it has a very faint, green fragrance), its visual impact is second to none, looking like a fresh blanket of snow. It’s a tough, low-maintenance plant perfect for mass planting.

5. Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) - A Rosy Welcome

A truly spectacular sight, Pink Jasmine is a vigorous, twining vine that puts on an unforgettable show. Its most charming feature is the display of deep pink-coloured buds which open to reveal intensely fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. 

This beautiful pink-and-white contrast against its dark green foliage makes it a garden favourite. The scent is sweet and pervasive, easily perfuming an entire balcony or small garden. It grows very quickly, so a good prune after its main flowering season is needed to keep it in check.

6. Italian Jasmine (Jasminum humile) - Buttery Yellow Blooms

A delightful departure from the classic whites, Italian Jasmine offers cheerful, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers that grow in loose clusters. It behaves more like a large, arching shrub than a vine and its leaves are a deep, glossy green. 

The fragrance is light, subtle, and sweet—a pleasant hint rather than a heavy perfume. After the flowers fade, it produces small, shiny black berries, which add to its ornamental value (but are not for eating!).

7. Red Jasmine (Jasminum beesianum) - A Rare Crimson Vine

A rare gem in the jasmine family, this variety is sought after for its unique, rosy-crimson flowers. The colour is a stunning and unusual sight, making it a collector’s item for plant lovers. 

It's a more delicate, slender vine compared to its robust cousins, making it suitable for smaller trellises where its pretty blooms can be admired up close. The fragrance is light, sweet, and subtle, and like Italian Jasmine, its flowers are followed by small, decorative black berries.

8. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) - The Great Pretender

This popular plant is a master of disguise. While not a true jasmine, its appearance and scent are convincing enough to earn it the name. It’s an incredibly versatile evergreen climber with thick, leathery, deep green leaves that look lush all year round. The flowers are shaped like small pinwheels and have a beautiful, creamy-sweet fragrance. 

A clear sign of its identity is the milky white sap that oozes from a broken stem. It’s exceptionally hardy, tolerating a wide range of conditions, making it a reliable choice for creating a green wall or a fragrant groundcover.

9. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) - A Splash of Sunshine

This jasmine loves to break the rules. Its name, nudiflorum, means 'naked flower' because its unscented, bright yellow blooms appear on bare stems before the leaves emerge. It’s a scrambling shrub with long, weeping green stems that are square-shaped, providing architectural interest even without flowers. 

It doesn't twine like other jasmines, so if you want it to climb a wall, you'll need to tie it to a support. It’s a wonderful way to get a surprising burst of sunny colour in the garden.

10. Dwarf Jasmine (Jasminum parkeri) - Perfect for Small Spaces

Proof that good things come in small packages, Dwarf Jasmine is a true miniature. It forms a dense, twiggy mound of tiny evergreen leaves, rarely growing taller than a foot. This tidy structure makes it look almost like a natural bonsai. 

It produces a smattering of tiny, unscented yellow flowers that add a cheerful touch. It is exceptionally low-maintenance and perfect for rock gardens, lining a pathway, or as a charming potted plant on a sunny HDB windowsill.

Conclusion About The Different Types Of Jasmine Flowers

Exploring the world of jasmine reveals so much variety and beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic scent of the Arabian Jasmine or the sunny disposition of the Winter Jasmine, there’s a perfect match for every home and garden in Singapore. Each one brings its own unique character and charm.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Different Types Of Jasmine Flowers

Which Type Of Jasmine Is Most Fragrant?

Spanish Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) and Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) are generally considered the most fragrant. Spanish Jasmine is renowned in the perfume industry for its intense, sweet scent.

Is Jasmine Easy To Grow In Singapore?

Yes, many jasmine varieties, especially Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac), thrive in Singapore's hot and humid climate. They love sunlight and well-draining soil, making them a popular choice for local gardeners.

Can I Grow Jasmine In An HDB Flat?

Absolutely! Most jasmine plants do very well in pots. As long as your corridor or balcony gets at least four to six hours of sunlight, you can successfully grow a beautiful and fragrant jasmine plant.

What Is The Difference Between Real Jasmine And Star Jasmine?

The main difference is that they belong to different botanical families. While Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) has a similar look and fragrant flowers, it's not a true jasmine from the Jasminum genus. It's generally considered more hardy than true jasmine varieties.