TropicalOrchids254 Plant Species Library

Stephanotis

Stephanotis floribunda

Madagascar Jasmine – The World's Finest Bridal Fragrance. An elegant evergreen climbing vine treasured for its intensely sweet perfume, glossy foliage and spectacular clusters of pure white, waxy flowers.

Scientific name · Origin · Light · Watering · Humidity · Feeding · Propagation · Pests · Kenya-specific care · Related products

Quick Facts

Botanical Classification

About Stephanotis

Stephanotis, scientifically known as Stephanotis floribunda, is one of the most elegant flowering climbers in the world. Better known as Madagascar Jasmine or Bridal Jasmine, it is treasured for its intensely sweet perfume, glossy evergreen foliage and spectacular clusters of pure white, waxy flowers.

Although commonly called a jasmine, Stephanotis is not a true jasmine. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and has earned its own reputation as one of the most fragrant ornamental climbers ever cultivated.

Its rich perfume has made it a traditional flower for bridal bouquets and wedding decorations across the world, giving rise to its popular name, Bridal Jasmine.

At TropicalOrchids254, Stephanotis is one of our favourite flowering climbers because it combines luxurious fragrance with elegant evergreen foliage and exceptional landscape performance. Whether growing over a pergola, climbing an entrance archway or covering a courtyard trellis, it transforms ordinary spaces into fragrant tropical gardens.

Flowering Stephanotis plant at TropicalOrchids254 nursery.

Origin & Natural Habitat

Stephanotis is native to the island of Madagascar, where it grows in warm tropical forests. There it climbs naturally through surrounding vegetation, using nearby trees and shrubs for support while flowering abundantly in bright conditions. Its tropical origins explain its love of warmth, sunshine and good air circulation.

Stephanotis has been cultivated in ornamental gardens for well over a century. Its exceptional fragrance quickly made it popular throughout Europe, Asia and the tropical world. Today it remains one of the most desirable flowering climbers for homes, hotels and wedding venues.

In nature, its stems naturally twine around trees, shrubs, branches and forest edges. As it climbs into brighter conditions, flowering becomes increasingly abundant.

Why We Love Stephanotis

Few flowering climbers combine beauty and fragrance as successfully as Stephanotis. Its glossy evergreen leaves remain attractive throughout the year, while its clusters of waxy white flowers fill the surrounding garden with an unforgettable perfume.

Unlike many ornamental climbers grown primarily for colour, Stephanotis appeals equally to the eyes and the senses. Its sweet fragrance becomes particularly noticeable during warm evenings, making it one of the finest plants for outdoor entertaining spaces.

It offers: intensely fragrant flowers · evergreen foliage · pure white blooms · elegant climbing habit · long flowering season · beautiful glossy leaves · excellent heat tolerance · outstanding landscape value.

As the vine matures, flowering becomes increasingly spectacular, with large clusters of blooms covering much of the plant.

Why Madagascar Jasmine Is Known as Bridal Jasmine

Stephanotis has become one of the world's most famous wedding flowers. Its brilliant white flowers symbolise love, purity, happiness, commitment and new beginnings. For generations, florists have incorporated Stephanotis into bridal bouquets because of both its elegant appearance and unforgettable fragrance.

Many people consider it to have one of the finest floral fragrances of any ornamental climber in cultivation. Its scientific name, Stephanotis, comes from the Greek words meaning "crown" and "ear," referring to the flower's distinctive structure.

Care Guide

Light

Stephanotis performs best in bright, sunny conditions. For maximum flowering provide full morning sun, bright afternoon light, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and good air circulation. Plants grown in too much shade will remain healthy but will produce far fewer flowers. The more sunshine the plant receives, the heavier the flowering display.

Temperature

Ideal: 18°C–32°C. Stephanotis tolerates warm inland climates, coastal humidity, tropical heat and mild cool seasons. Protect young plants from frost and prolonged temperatures below 10°C.

Humidity

As a tropical vine, Stephanotis appreciates moderate to high humidity. Fortunately, it adapts well to Kenyan conditions across Nairobi, Thika, Nakuru, Mombasa, Diani and Lamu. Higher humidity generally encourages stronger flowering and healthier foliage.

Watering

Stephanotis enjoys evenly moist soil while actively growing. Water deeply whenever the top few centimetres of soil begin to dry. Avoid allowing the plant to remain waterlogged. Consistent watering produces better flowering, faster growth, healthier foliage and stronger vines.

Newly planted vines: every 3–4 days until established · Nairobi / Thika / Kiambu: every 4–5 days · Nakuru: every 5–6 days · Athi River: every 3–4 days (hotter weather) · Mombasa / Diani / Lamu: every 5–7 days, adjusting for rainfall. Always adjust according to rainfall, soil drainage, plant size, wind, temperature and sun exposure.

Soil Requirements

Stephanotis prefers rich, fertile, free-draining soil. At TropicalOrchids254, we recommend incorporating well-rotted compost, coco peat, worm compost and river sand where drainage is poor. Healthy soil produces stronger vines and heavier flowering.

Fertilising

Apply NHance Seaweed Fertiliser every two weeks during active growth. Benefits include increased flowering, stronger vines, better root development, greener foliage and improved plant health.

Leaf Care

Once every month, wipe the leaves with diluted Achook Neem Oil. This helps remove dust, keep leaves glossy, reduce pests and improve photosynthesis.

Climbing Support

Stephanotis is a twining vine and cannot support itself. Always provide a strong structure such as pergolas, trellises, wire systems, timber frames, garden arches or decorative fences. Guide young stems early while they are flexible. Once established, the vine naturally wraps around supports.

Pruning

Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages new flowering growth. Remove dead stems, damaged branches, weak growth and overcrowded shoots. Light pruning after flowering encourages fresh shoots that will produce future blooms.

Growth Rate & Flowering

Stephanotis grows at a moderate to fast rate once established. Growth depends on sunlight, soil fertility, water and support structure. Healthy plants quickly cover pergolas and trellises with dense evergreen foliage. Flowering improves dramatically as the vine matures — established plants produce large flower clusters, longer flowering periods, hundreds of flowers and stronger fragrance. Warm sunny conditions encourage repeated flowering throughout much of the year.

Propagation

Stephanotis is commonly propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. Take healthy stems, allow the cut surface to dry briefly, plant into a well-draining propagation mix and keep warm and lightly moist. Rooting generally occurs within several weeks under warm conditions.

Growing Stephanotis in Kenya

At TropicalOrchids254, we have successfully grown Stephanotis in a wide range of Kenyan climates. Its adaptability makes it one of Kenya's finest evergreen flowering climbers.

Central Kenya: Nairobi · Thika · Kiambu

Rift Valley: Nakuru · Naivasha

Coast: Mombasa · Diani · Lamu · Kilifi · Watamu · Malindi — the naturally higher humidity along the Kenyan coast often encourages vigorous growth and increasingly impressive flower displays.

Suraj Shah's Growing Secrets

How We Grow Stephanotis at TropicalOrchids254

Secret 1 – Give It Plenty of Sunshine. If you want Stephanotis to perform at its best, don't hide it in deep shade. We always plant it in a sunny position, where it receives plenty of direct light throughout the day. The difference between a shaded plant and one grown in full sun is remarkable — more vigorous vines, larger flower clusters, heavier blooming and stronger fragrance.

Secret 2 – Let It Climb Naturally. Stephanotis is not a small shrub — it is a vigorous climber. We always provide generous space and a strong support structure, allowing the vine to climb naturally over pergolas, arches, fences and walls. As the plant matures, the flower clusters become larger, more numerous and increasingly spectacular. Giving Stephanotis room to climb is the secret to unlocking its full beauty.

"Plant it in a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, and always provide plenty of space and a strong structure for it to climb. As the vine matures, it rewards you with increasingly large clusters of pure white flowers that fill the garden with what is arguably the finest jasmine-like fragrance in the world."

Suraj Shah, TropicalOrchids254

Landscape Applications

Best Display Locations

Stephanotis is ideal for home entrances, courtyards, pergolas, outdoor dining areas, hotel entrances, wedding venues, luxury villas, tropical gardens, swimming pool areas and restaurant courtyards. Its fragrance is best appreciated where people regularly walk or relax nearby.

Residential Landscaping

Stephanotis is one of the finest flowering climbers for homes. Ideal applications include entrance arches, courtyards, pergolas, boundary walls, balconies, garden fences, outdoor dining areas and swimming pool gardens. Its fragrance creates a welcoming atmosphere around the home.

Hospitality Landscaping

Few climbers are better suited to hotels and resorts. Stephanotis creates unforgettable guest experiences when planted around hotel entrances, wedding venues, resort walkways, spa gardens, courtyard restaurants, beachfront villas, outdoor lounges and luxury pergolas. Guests often notice the fragrance before they even see the flowers.

Companion Plants

Stephanotis combines beautifully with Plumeria pudica, Hybrid Frangipanis, Desert Roses, Giant Bird of Paradise, Traveller's Palm, Heliconias, Crotons, Hibiscus, Orchids, Bromeliads, Monsteras and Golden Pothos. Together they create lush tropical gardens full of colour, texture and fragrance.

Common Pests & Problems

Stephanotis is a strong and reliable evergreen climber when grown in the correct conditions. Most problems occur when the plant is grown in heavy shade, poor drainage or receives inconsistent watering. Routine inspection and preventative care will keep the vine healthy for many years.

Mealybugs

Symptoms: White cotton-like insects, sticky honeydew, distorted new shoots, reduced flowering.

Treatment: Remove heavily infested stems if necessary and wipe the plant with diluted Achook Neem Oil.

Scale Insects

Symptoms: Brown shell-like bumps on stems, sticky leaves, yellowing foliage, reduced vigour.

Treatment: Remove visible insects manually before treating with diluted Achook Neem Oil.

Aphids

Symptoms: Curled new leaves, sticky honeydew, small green or black insects, damaged flower buds.

Treatment: Spray colonies off with water before applying diluted Achook Neem Oil where required.

Spider Mites

Symptoms: Tiny yellow speckles, fine webbing, dull foliage, premature leaf drop.

Treatment: Increase watering during very dry periods and wipe foliage with diluted Achook Neem Oil.

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellow leaves, wilting, soft stems, blackened roots, slow growth.

Prevention: Always plant in free-draining soil. Never allow water to stand around the roots.

Poor Flowering

Common Causes: Too much shade, lack of climbing space, excessive nitrogen fertiliser, insufficient sunlight, heavy pruning.

Solution: Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight, strong climbing support, balanced fertilising and light pruning only.

Yellow Leaves

Occasional older leaves naturally yellow and fall. If many leaves yellow simultaneously, check for overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies or root problems. Correcting the underlying issue usually restores healthy growth.

Interesting Facts

Despite its common name, Madagascar Jasmine is not a true jasmine. The flowers are among the most fragrant produced by any ornamental climber and it is one of the world's most famous wedding flowers. Bridal bouquets have traditionally featured Stephanotis for generations. Mature vines produce much larger flower clusters than young plants, and the flowers are especially fragrant during warm evenings.

Its scientific name, Stephanotis, comes from the Greek words meaning "crown" and "ear," referring to the flower's distinctive structure.

Conservation

Stephanotis is widely propagated by specialist nurseries worldwide. Purchasing nursery-grown plants supports sustainable horticulture and helps protect natural populations.

At TropicalOrchids254, our Stephanotis plants are propagated and grown for Kenyan conditions, ensuring strong, healthy vines that establish quickly in the landscape.

Related Products

Plant Care: NHance Seaweed Fertiliser · Achook Neem Oil

Plants: Stephanotis floribunda · Plumeria pudica · Hybrid Frangipanis

About TropicalOrchids254

At TropicalOrchids254, we specialise in orchids, tropical flowering vines, flowering trees and rare plants for homes, hotels, offices and landscape projects throughout Kenya.

Our Species Library is based on practical growing experience rather than theory alone. Every care recommendation reflects how we successfully cultivate these plants in Kenyan conditions. Stephanotis has become one of our favourite flowering climbers because it combines evergreen beauty with what we believe is one of the finest floral fragrances in the world.

Summary

Stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda), also known as Madagascar Jasmine or Bridal Jasmine, is one of the world's most elegant and fragrant evergreen climbers. Its glossy foliage, waxy white flowers and unforgettable perfume make it an exceptional choice for gardens throughout Kenya.

Plant it in a sunny position with a strong climbing structure and plenty of room to grow. Water consistently while establishing, feed every two weeks with NHance Seaweed Fertiliser, and wipe the leaves monthly with diluted Achook Neem Oil to maintain healthy foliage.

At TropicalOrchids254, we particularly value Stephanotis because it performs beautifully in Thika, Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Diani and Lamu. As the vine matures, it produces increasingly large clusters of intensely fragrant white flowers, making it ideal for pergolas, entrance arches, courtyards, wedding gardens and luxury hospitality landscapes.

Each guide has been written specifically for Kenyan growers, helping you achieve exceptional results using practical advice developed under local growing conditions.

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