An evergreen, loosely mounding shrub with glossy leaves and small white flowers known for their heavy, sweet fragrance. In Phoenix it does best with shade from the afternoon sun, where it brings scent to entries, patios and seating areas through the warm months.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It is not drought tolerant and needs ample water through the summer to stay full and flowering. Rich, well-drained soil helps.
Pruning
Trim lightly after a flush of bloom to shape it. Long, sprawling stems can be tied to a trellis or cut back to keep it compact.
Heat/sunburn
West sun yellows and scorches the leaves. It handles the hottest days as long as it is shaded in the afternoon.
Cold
Freezes can damage it. Cover plants on frost nights, and wait until spring growth starts before trimming off damaged stems.
How our designers use it
Fragrance by the door
Placed beside entries, patio seating and walkways, its scent can be enjoyed up close.
Trained on a trellis
Its loose, sprawling stems can be guided up a trellis or low wall for a softer, vine-like look.
Shaded patios
It brings scent and glossy green to covered patios and courtyards where sun-loving shrubs won’t grow.
Good to know
Around the pool
Light flower drop and no thorns. Give it a shaded corner rather than the open deck, where reflected heat scorches it.
