Jasminum sambac

Arabian jasmine

Arabian jasmine has an extensive history with humanity. Jasminum sambac was the first species to be known by the name “jasmine.” Native to southwestern Asia, this plant made its way to Egypt and the Mediterranean around 1000BC. Its fame spread throughout Europe and into China over the centuries, and it was soon planted widely by rulers throughout these areas.

The blossom has come to represent purity (the pure white colors of the flowers), humility (the small size of the flowers), strength (the strong fragrance), simplicity (the simple structure of the flowers), and sacredness (due to its aforementioned attributes) in a number of cultures.

The best-known use of jasmine is for its fragrance, which is still widely used as a natural floral extract. Jasmine blossoms are often handpicked while they are in bud during the day so that when they open in the evening, they may be used most effectively. Hundreds of jasmine flowers may be used as part of a single bottle of perfume, and it takes about 8000 blossoms to make 1mL of jasmine absolute. The flowers are used as a relaxing fragrance in aromatherapy and are made into leis in Hawaii. In Asia, garlands of the flowers are made for special occasions, such as weddings, spiritual offerings, and funerals. Although not in English, here's a video showing jasmine flowers being harvested in Egypt:

Jasmine tea is also a popular product that makes use of the flower. When this tea was first developed in China early in the first millennium AD, it was only available to the Imperial Court. Flowers are mixed with a green tea base and allowed to mix for over four hours. This process may be repeated several times to intensify the fragrance and taste.

Arabian jasmine will grow well in Zones 10-11 to a height of around six feet, but it is usually cut back to form a tighter shrub, as it tends to form a vine-like habit. It may be grown in Zones 8-9, but it usually dies back to the ground in winter and takes a long time to regrow the following spring, only producing flowers in late summer or early fall.