Marsdenia floribunda

Madagascar Jasmine

Marsdenia floribunda is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is classified as a vigorous climber with very strong stems. This rare and infinitely precious perennial creeper comes from Madagascar, where it is known as Madagascar Jasmine. It grown as a bridal flower and for religious festivals and church flowers. This plant was previously known as Stephanotis Floribunda

Description

Madagascar Jasmine has long climbing stems with glossy, dark green oval leaves. It boasts clusters of white, waxy, tubular-shaped flowers which are exquisitely-scented. The flowers appear all summer long and often deep into the winter in warm frost-free areas. The fragrant flowers that contrast with the dark leaves is what makes Marsdenia floribunda a plant collector’s dream. It is exquisite!

It has huge oval fruit which appear at the end of summer. The fruit is not edible, but the seeds can be saved for sowing. Once the fruits have ripened, the tough hard outer husks burst open to shower out silky-winged seeds that blow everywhere. Flat black seeds are attached to the white puffs. We have found that these seeds are the best means of propagation.

**What Marsdenia floribunda needs**

Marsdenia floribunda can be challenging, as it has very specific needs. It is also not a climber normally planted in the garden. Grow it as a very exotic potted specimen in a protected courtyard, conservatory, or covered patio.

Position

Madagascar Jasmine prefers being positioned in light shade or very bright light close to a sunny window. It will not flower abundantly in the shade. This plant prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity. It does best in areas that experience wet summers and cool, dry winters.

Soil and feeding

The potting medium must be acidic and very well-draining. Use a palm peat-based mix and add perlite or coarse river sand. Or use a specialised potting medium used for fynbos like proteas. Mulch with an acid mulch like milled bark and replace regularly. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a fertiliser for acid-loving plants.

Watering and humidity

Water only when the soil feels dry in summer and keep rather dry for short spells in winter. It cannot take frost, nor the cold, so cover it in winter with that amazing plant fleece available from nurseries.

This plant likes to be root-bound and needs humidity. When humidity is low, don’t overwater this plant. Rather mist the plant often or grow it near a water feature. You can also place on a pebble-filled saucer topped up regularly with water. Otherwise, wet the concrete of the brick floor near it. It will survive winter in a dry atmosphere and with very little water.

Pruning and support

If it becomes too vigorous, prune to reduce its size in late winter. Take care to protect your hands as it bleeds a milky latex which is a skin irritant.

Madagascar Jasmine needs a sturdy trellis, pergola or lattice to hold on to. You can help guide the long thin stems to twist and climb where you want them to grow.

Uses

Use the flowers in your bath, and in bath vinegars. You can also float them in flat glass bowls to fill the room with fragrance. Years ago, florists often used the flowers in bridal bouquets, hence another common name, bridal flower. Marsdenia floribunda is a trainable and much sought after prize. Treasure it!

Marsdenia floribunda In a Nutshell

Vigorous climber with jasmine-scented white flowers.
Best position is light shade or very bright light close to a sunny window.
The potting medium must be acidic and very well-draining.
This jasmine likes to be root-bound.
Mulch with an acid mulch like milled bark and replace regularly.
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a fertiliser for acid-loving plants.
Water only when the soil feels dry in summer and keep rather dry for short spells in winter.
When humidity is low, mist the plant often.
Prune to reduce its size in late winter.