Stephanotis floribunda
by Barb Henny
Exquisite fragrance!
If I write no further about Stephanotis floribunda, I have already captured the essence of this plant in those two words. This plant’s perfume is a stroll across a moonlit terrace on a warm summer night, hand in hand with the one you love. It is laughing children tumbling in fresh spring grass. Stephanotis fragrance evokes azure sky and pure white sand on an unspoiled island beach.
Stephanotis flowers are exotic and fragrant. Photo by Barb Henny
Stephanotis comes from the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar; it is commonly called Madagascar jasmine. This tropical vine was once classified with the milkweeds, but recent DNA testing has moved it closer to its vining and blooming relatives, Mandevilla and Dipladenia, in the Apocynaceae or Oleander Family.
Unless you live in the warmest parts of Florida, tropical Stephanotis is best maintained as a specimen in a large pot so it can be moved indoors for winter protection when needed. Stephanotis climbs by entwining, and requires a trellis for support. To produce the showy, white, fragrant blooms, station the pot in bright light but not direct sun. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix and fertilize diligently throughout the growing season to maintain the plant’s deep, emerald-green, shiny foliage.
Stephanotis foliage is traditionally dark green, but occasionally a variegated form can be found. “Sometimes gardeners find variegated leaves on a favorite plant and believe they may have discovered a valuable sport,” says Jim Holm. “They hope they can patent and sell this new variegated variety for thousands of dollars at auction.”
Variegated Stephanotis. Photo by Barb Henny
Jim Holm is a registered patent agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and specializes in agricultural intellectual property. He works with clients to prepare and file patent applications. Plant patent applications include meticulous written descriptions, appropriate photographs and a written comparison on how the new variety is distinctly different from similar varieties.
“Patents require the applicant to make a legal statement that the new plant maintains stability and uniformity through successive asexual propagations,” says Jim. “Many variegated plants are so variable that no two leaves are ever alike. Therefore, no patent can be granted.”
Variegated Stephanotis is highly variable and often reverts to the plain green form. A patent search turns up no patents on either green or variegated Stephanotis, so propagation can be made by cuttings.
Propagate Stephanotis by seeds or cuttings. Photo by Barb Henny
I have had good results by taking Stephanotis cuttings during warm weather while the plant is actively growing. I use mature stem tissue, neither too woody nor too green. After harvest from the stock plant, I allow the cuttings to dry a few hours, then dip the cut end into Hormodin #3 rooting powder. I stick cuttings into peat moss and place them under intermittent mist for four to six weeks while roots develop.
After the rooted Stephanotis liners are potted and placed out to grow, vines may start to elongate right away or may not develop until the next warm growing season. Vines may develop as green from variegated cuttings or variegated from green cuttings. Stephanotis can also be grown from seed, but there may be variation among seedlings as well.
Sow fresh seed onto any good quality peat mix and lightly cover the seed with a little more soil. The soil should not contain a fertilizer “pre-charge” because the high salt content may damage emerging seedlings. Maintain even moisture and keep temperatures between 70-75°F. Germination should occur after 14 to 21 days. Seedlings may then be fertilized with a liquid fertilizer, such as Peter’s 20-20-20 at 1 teaspoon per gallon, as needed until they are ready to transplant into larger pots.
Scale insects and mealybugs may find your Stephanotis. Treat as needed with horticultural oils and soaps according to manufacturer directions.
The long days of summer bring the fragrant white flowers that are traditional in bridal bouquets. Their delightful and delicate perfume is the reward for lovingly tending to your Stephanotis.
© 2014 Barb Henny. Originally published in Florida Gardening, Dec / Jan 2014. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
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