Murraya paniculata, also known as Orange Jasmine makes a fantastic addition to any landscape. This evergreen shrub flowers at intervals throughout the year, producing clusters of beautiful, fragrant jasmine-scented flowers followed by small oval red fruits that contain one or two seeds.

Easy to care for, it tolerates most conditions and is hardy to -4°C (25°F) Preferring full sun but will grow in part shade, in almost any kind of soil,
Orange Jasmine is a moderate grower and makes an outstanding boxwood like hedge or decorative container plant due to its compact habit and dense glossy green foliage. It is suitable for topiary and a favorite used in the art of bonsai. It is called China-box because it can take shearing.

Sowing: 
Sow indoors at any time of year.
Scarify seeds – rub a little with sandpaper, to let the water penetrate. Soak in warm water for 3 to 4 days. Sow 0.5cm (¼ in) deep in standard potting mix. Cover with a clear dome or plastic sheet. Keep soil moist at all times,
Maintain an optimum temperature of 21 to 26°C (70 to 80°F) degrees.

Planting:
Grown as a container specimen, Murraya needs a container that is glazed and not too shallow. In frost free areas it can be planted outdoors, space plants 50cm (20in) apart, three per metre and ensure plenty of mulch is applied.

Cultivation:
Plant in humus-rich, free draining soil. Fertilise regularly (at least twice a year) with a slow release fertiliser, 6 month release
Water regularly; but allow soil to dry a little between waterings.
Protect the plant in winter covering with fleece or similar or plant in a container and over-winter indoors.

Pruning:
Prune new growth back to a few leaves after the shoots have made six or seven leaves, generally once or twice a year. This can be done in autumn or spring.
Murraya can also be grown as in a variety of styles, prune as necessary.
If you leave your plants without pruning, the plant will become woody and it will be difficult to cut back when they are at a mature age without damaging the structure of the plant. Always feed your plants at the same time as pruning, to encourage new growth. Always prune early morning or late afternoon. Never prune in the middle of the day when it is very hot as the plants will suffer from stress and may begin to wilt.

Plant Uses:
In frost free areas it makes an excellent hedge or ornamental shrub
In cold areas grow as a container plant, place outdoors in summer.
Conservatory or Indoor plant

Other Uses:
Orange Jasmine has several medicinal qualities. American Indians have traditionally used its bark for making cosmetics and the leaves as a stimulant and decongestant. The shrub’s astringent qualities have also used to treat bleeding wounds and dysentery, joint pain and body ache. In many parts of Asia, the twigs are chewed and used as a natural toothbrush. The aromatic, glossy green leaves are used for flavouring curries.

Origin:
M. paniculata is a native of South and Southeast Asia, and is now pan tropical, growing in northern Australia, southern China and Taiwan, and southern USA