Plant library · Terrace · Hedges
Mogra (Arabian jasmine)
Mogra, Jasminum sambac, is the fragrant white jasmine used across India in garlands, hair adornments and worship. It is a scrambling shrub that flowers mainly from March to July, with the scent strongest in the evening. It grows well in pots, which is why it is one of the most common plants on Indian balconies and terraces.
Jasminum sambac · Mogra · Motia · Malli · Mallige · Malle · Beli · Mulla
Size
1–2 m in the ground; 60–120 cm in pots
Growth
Moderate
Leaf
Evergreen
Sun
Full sun; at least six hours a day for good flowering
Water
Regular in the flowering season. Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Soil
Well-drained loam with plenty of organic matter; slightly acidic to neutral
01
How to recognise Mogra
Family Oleaceae
- aLeaves are simple, opposite or in whorls of three, broadly oval, 4–10 cm long, glossy and slightly wavy.
- bFlowers are white, waxy and strongly fragrant, single or double; double types look like small roses and are sold as Motia or Madurai malli.
- cBuds are pointed and white, opening in the late afternoon and evening; flowers turn pinkish as they fade.
- dStems are thin and scrambling, becoming woody at the base.
- eHabit is a bushy shrub or loose climber that sends out long shoots if not pruned.
- fOften confused with Jasminum auriculatum (Juhi) and Jasminum grandiflorum (Chameli), which have compound leaves; Mogra has simple, undivided leaves.
02
Mogra (Arabian jasmine) in your city
How it grows in each city we work in, and what we do differently there.
Flowers heavily from March to the monsoon. Prune in February to bring on a strong flush.
Flowers well from April to July. It goes dormant and may drop leaves in winter, and frost in December and January can damage potted plants, so keep them near a wall.
Flowers well in the hot months. In black cotton soil, use raised beds or pots with a well-drained mix.
Frost in December and January can damage shoots. Move pots to shelter in winter and prune once the cold is over.
Grows through the year in the warm climate. Keep pots draining in the monsoon, when fungal leaf spot and root rot are more likely.
Grows well in the mild climate, with a long flowering season when fed regularly.
Flowers well in the hot season with regular watering. Mulch pots to keep roots cool.
Enjoys the heat but terrace pots dry fast near 45°C. Water daily in summer and use pots that are not dark-coloured.
Grows well in the humid warmth. Ensure good drainage through the long monsoon.
03
Where it fits
- Pots on balconies and terraces, near seating areas where the evening scent can be enjoyed.
- A low informal hedge along paths and entrances in homes and farmhouses.
- Puja and kitchen gardens where flowers are picked daily.
- Mixed scented borders alongside Raat ki Rani and Kamini.
04
Care
- Pruning: prune hard in February, cutting shoots back by a third to a half. Mogra flowers on new growth, so this pruning sets up the summer flowering. Pinch shoot tips lightly after each flush.
- Feeding: add compost or well-rotted manure after the February pruning and feed monthly through the flowering season with a balanced fertiliser that is not too rich in nitrogen.
- Watering in pots: use a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep with drainage holes. Water regularly from March to September and cut back in winter.
- Terrace exposure: full sun suits it, but on hot terraces keep pots off bare concrete and group them to reduce drying. Tie long shoots to a small trellis in windy spots.
- Repotting: repot every two years in late winter, before the February prune.
05
Common problems
- Jasmine bud worm — small holes in buds, which turn pink or brown and drop. Pick off and destroy affected buds and spray neem oil at bud stage.
- Red spider mite — fine speckling and webbing under leaves in hot, dry weather. Spray water under the leaves and use neem oil or a miticide if it continues.
- Yellow leaves — often from alkaline soil or hard water, with veins staying green. Feed chelated iron and add compost.
- Root rot — wilting despite wet soil, especially in the monsoon. Improve drainage and water less during rain.
06
Questions
When does mogra flower in India?
Mainly from March to July, with the peak in the hot months. In mild cities like Pune, Bangalore and Mumbai, it can keep flowering lightly after the monsoon.
Why is my mogra plant not flowering?
Usually too little sun, no pruning or too much nitrogen. Give it six hours of sun, prune in February and feed with compost and a balanced, potash-rich fertiliser.
What pot size is best for mogra?
At least 30 cm wide and deep for one plant. Larger pots keep the roots cooler and hold water longer in summer.
How do I stop mogra buds from falling?
Check the buds for small holes from bud worm and remove affected ones. Keep watering steady and avoid letting the pot dry out while it is in bud.
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