Crape Jasmine

Gardeners blessed with large properties can utilize Crape Jasmine as an informal blooming hedge or can integrate it into a mixed border. Employed in this manner, it is best left in its natural state where its lax form and glossy leaves are seen to the greatest advantage.

The Garden Club of America, in its book Plants That Merit Attention Volume II: Shrubs, edited by Janet Poor, recommends T. divaricata for USDA Zones 10 and 11. Members praised its resistance to pollution, long blooming season, ease of culture, and lack of major pest problems in their decision to commend this shrub.

Crape Jasmine is a member of Apocynaceae; close relatives include Oleander and the Natal Plum, known scientifically as Carissa grandiflora. Like many members of this family, T. divaricata contains a milky sap which can cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals. Gloves should be worn whenever pruning to prevent outbreaks. Care should be exercised when coming in contact with the blossoms; the Botanical Dermatology Database cited cases of flower vendors in India developing severe cases of dermatitis after threading the flowers into garlands. (see http://bodd.cf.ac.uk/BotDermFolder/BotDe... )

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