The Murraya paniculata, commonly known as Orange Jasmine, Mock Orange, or Satinwood, is a classic and popular evergreen shrub in Australian gardens. It’s a low-maintenance superstar beloved for its dense, glossy, dark-green foliage and, most notably, its incredible fragrance. Throughout the warmer months, the plant is covered in clusters of small, highly perfumed, jasmine-like white flowers that can fill your garden with a sweet scent, especially on a humid evening.
Caring for Your Murraya
- Growing Conditions: Murraya thrives in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, a spot with some afternoon shade is best. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil and can tolerate a range of conditions, but it doesn’t like waterlogged soil. It’s also quite hardy and can handle light frosts once established.
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during its first couple of years and throughout dry periods. A good layer of mulch will help to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
- Feeding: To encourage strong growth and a good show of flowers, feed it with a slow-release, general-purpose fertiliser in spring and autumn.
- Pruning: Pruning is key if you want a neat hedge. For a formal hedge, prune it lightly and often during the growing season. For an informal hedge or shrub, simply trim it to shape after a flush of flowers.
Usage in the Garden
The Murraya is one of the most versatile plants you’ll find. Its dense, leafy habit makes it a ripper choice for creating a formal hedge, a privacy screen, or a lush backdrop for other plants. It can also be used as a standalone feature plant, a topiary specimen, or grown in a large pot on a patio or near an outdoor living area where you can enjoy its sweet fragrance. It’s also a great plant for attracting bees and other beneficial insects to the garden.
