Murraya

Murraya (Murraya paniculata), also known as orange jessamine, is tall evergreen shrub to small tree (2-4m in height) widely grown in gardens for its clusters of fragrant white flowers, tolerance of heat and dry conditions and its usefulness for hedging. The creamy white flowers are held in clusters and occur through the warmer months (from spring to autumn). The leaves are small, elliptical and dark glossy green.

As a native of South Asia, and Southeast Asia, murraya has adapted well to gardens in warm temperate and subtropical Australia where the plant is often grown as an informal or formal flowering hedge.

Unfortunately, it does produce seed (in the form of small red berries) and has become weedy in some areas (check your local council’s weed list). To reduce any chance of seeding, prune immediately after flowering.

Murraya paniculuta is a medium to large shrub, 3 to 4 metres in height, but is often pruned to a shorter height. Also look out for the following varieties:

• ‘Min-a-Min’, or dwarf Mock Orange is ideal for a dwarf hedge to around 1m high or as a container plant. With its fragrant flowers, fine foliage, and ease of care, plant it where you can enjoy the scent.
• ‘Hip High’, similar to ‘Min-a-Min’ it’s a low-growing formula evergreen hedge, however, its foliage is slightly larger and more dense.
• ‘Sweet Privacy’ is an ideal hedge if you are looking for something in between ‘Min-a-Min” and paniculata. With bright, bushy green foliage and sweet-scented flowers, it is a beautiful plant or hedge for any garden.

Check out hardware and garden centres in your area for advice and varieties to grow in your local area.

Growing conditions

Aspect Murraya needs a bright, sunny location with sun for all or most of the day. It will grow in more shaded conditions but will produce fewer flowers. In cooler areas, grow in a sheltered position away from frosts.

Soil Best with moist soil. Before planting add home-made compost and organic matter and/or Seasol Super Compost. If growing in containers, select a dwarf variety in large containers with a premium potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix.

Climate Murraya grows in a wide range of frost-free climates from temperate to tropical. Plants can tolerate light frost.

General care

Watering Water regularly to encourage good growth and flowering. Water pots and containers daily during summer during hot and dry periods. Flushes of flowering often occur after heavy rain.

Feeding and mulching Murraya responds well to feeding. Feed throughout the growing and flowering season (spring to autumn) with PowerFeed with Troforte All Purpose including Natives. Add to the soil prior to planting and reapply every 6 to 8 weeks.  You can also boost growth at any time of year with liquid PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives. 

Use an organic mulch such as sugar cane mulch, lucerne or pine bark mulch around murraya and keep plants free of competing weeds.

Pruning Prune plants that have finished flowering to encourage more compact growth, keep hedges in shape, to eliminate seeding and to encourage repeat flowering.

Watch out Shrubs may be attacked by pest problems such as scale if they are too shaded or water stressed. Plants growing in too much shade fail to flower. Dieback of branches may be due to a stem borer. Cut out all damaged stems.