Jasmine Tagar Double Petal
The "Double Tagar" (Tabernaemontana divaricata) is an evergreen shrub known for its ruffled, heavily scented white flowers. Here is how to get it established and blooming:
Prepare the soil: Use a mixture of standard garden soil, sand for drainage, and a generous amount of organic compost or cow dung manure. Whether in the ground or a pot, ensure water drains out quickly so the roots do not rot.
Choose the location: Plant it where it gets 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. Morning sun is best. Protecting the plant from the scorching afternoon sun will keep the leaves from burning and help the blooms last longer.
Establish a watering routine: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. They prefer consistently slightly moist soil, but never waterlogged.
Fertilize for heavy blooms: Feed the plant once a month during its active growing season (spring through monsoon) using an organic fertilizer like vermicompost, bone meal, or a balanced liquid fertilizer. Stop feeding in the winter when growth slows down.
Prune to encourage branching: Trim back the tips of the branches in late winter or early spring after the main flowering season. This encourages the plant to grow bushier and produce more branches, which ultimately means more flower buds.
