Clerodendrum inerme (Wild Jasmine)

🌿 Clerodendrum inerme (Wild Jasmine)

Botanical Name: Clerodendrum inerme
Common Names: Wild Jasmine, Seaside Clerodendrum, Glory Bower, Garden Quinine
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Origin: Native to coastal regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia; commonly found in tropical and subtropical zones.

🌱 Plant Description

Clerodendrum inerme, known as Wild Jasmine, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or vine-like climber often used as a natural hedge, ground cover, or coastal stabilizer. It typically grows 1–3 meters tall, with dense branching and small, fragrant flowers.

• Leaves: Small, glossy, dark green, oval-shaped, arranged oppositely along stems.

• Flowers: White, star-shaped, with long purple stamens, resembling miniature jasmine blooms; mildly fragrant.

• Growth Habit: Can grow upright as a shrub, or spread/climb if given support.

🌸 Key Features

• Fragrant Flowers: White blossoms resemble jasmine, attracting bees and butterflies.

• Hardy Nature: Tolerates salt, wind, and drought, making it excellent for coastal planting.

• Versatile Growth: Can be shaped into hedges, used as ground cover, or trained as a climber.

• Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care once established.

🌍 Uses & Benefits

1. Ornamental Value – Popular for hedges, borders, and seaside landscaping.

2. Coastal Protection – Often planted to prevent soil erosion and withstand salt spray.

3. Medicinal (Traditional) – Used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for ailments such as skin diseases, fever, and inflammation (use only under guidance).

4. Wildlife Support – Flowers attract pollinators; dense foliage provides shelter for small birds.

🌤️ Growing Conditions & Care

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Soil: Grows in a wide range of soils, ideally well-drained sandy or loamy soil.

• Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.

• Temperature: Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical climates.

• Pruning: Can be trimmed regularly to maintain compact shape or used as a free-growing shrub.

• Propagation: Easily grown from cuttings or seeds.

✅ Best For:

• Coastal gardens and landscapes

• Natural hedges and borders

• Low-maintenance, fragrant, and pollinator-friendly planting