Bride's Flower
Stephanotis floribunda
Madagascar Jasmine twines up a trellis with glossy, leathery leaves and clusters of pure white, intensely fragrant flowers that have adorned bridal bouquets for generations.
Stephanotis floribunda is a plant of controlled beauty and specific demands. The evergreen vine climbs beyond 20 feet in tropical conditions, its thick, oval leaves a deep glossy green against which the waxy white tubular flowers appear almost artificial. The fragrance is powerful and clean, which explains the plant's long tenure in the cut flower trade and at wedding ceremonies. In commercial growing environments with consistent warmth, light, and humidity, it blooms year-round.
Outside the tropics, Madagascar Jasmine is a houseplant that rewards careful attention to temperature. It thrives between 68 and 90 degrees, roots best when slightly pot-bound in a loam-and-peat mix with generous perlite drainage, and should be kept cool and nearly dry during winter rest. Move it outdoors to a sunny, sheltered spot for summer, but bring it in well before temperatures approach 39 degrees. Transitioning it to full sun too quickly causes leaf blister; acclimatize gradually. During the growing season, water abundantly, maintain high humidity, and feed with a balanced fertilizer to support the vigorous growth.
Bride's Flower
Stephanotis floribunda
Clustered Wax Flower, Hawaiian Wedding Flower, Madagascar Jasmine, Wax Flower