Seeds Irrigation (Murraya paniculata) Irrigation

Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata) is the shrub Egyptian nurseries sell as "موريا" — an evergreen with glossy dark leaves and clusters of pure white flowers whose scent of orange blossom is strongest at night. Repeat flushes through the warm season are followed by bright red ornamental berries (inedible). It shines as a clipped formal hedge or a fragrant specimen near a seating area.

Planting

In Egypt, sow under cover from February to April, when soil reaches a warm 21-27 C. Clean ripe berries, soak the seed in lukewarm water for 12-24 hours and discard floaters, then sow about 6 mm deep in a free-draining mix of equal parts potting mix, sand and perlite. Keep the surface lightly moist and humid; germination takes about 3-6 weeks, occasionally up to two months. Move seedlings into individual pots once 8 cm tall, then plant out in spring in rich, well-drained loam with full sun to part shade and afternoon shade in hotter areas.

Fertilizing

Feed every 3-4 weeks from spring through autumn with a balanced all-purpose or evergreen fertilizer; a higher-phosphorus bloom feed in spring boosts flowering. Stop feeding during winter dormancy and ease off in extreme heat to avoid salt build-up at the roots.

Care

Keep the soil evenly moist, letting the top few centimetres dry out — never waterlogged. Young plants need roughly 25 mm of water weekly, more in summer (drip or twice weekly). Prune lightly two or three times in spring and summer, removing no more than an eighth of growth. Watch for mealybugs, scale and whiteflies, and avoid planting near citrus, as this host can spread citrus greening.