Each plant has its root system. A plant, in its many varieties, can have different root systems, some more invasive than others.
If you are one of the many people who love the scent of jasmine, you would want to know whether gardening these plants at a particular spot would mean tangling roots!
Jasmine’s root system explained
Jasmine has a moderately invasive root system that would spread out and go deep into the soil. Jasmines most grow with the runner of the plant and may invade into pipes and foundations of the house. One way to contain the roots of jasmine is pruning. Well-spaced areas and raised soil also help.
But do all types of jasmine have the same root system. Let’s find out.
Star jasmine:
One of the popular varieties of the plant is the star jasmine.
Although the roots of star jasmine are not considered to be invasive, the root system of this variety can grow out to every adjacent area where the runner of the plant touches.
Star jasmine starts slow but in a warmer climate, the roots grow more vigorously and slightly more intrusively.
Confederate jasmine:
Confederate jasmine is similar to star jasmine as this species too has roots that grow out following the plant.
This means that the roots can be somewhat encroaching and grow into areas that you would not want them to. The roots grow to form a deep root system that expands with the runner.
Night blooming jasmine:
Night blooming jasmine has one of the fastest growing, rapid spreading root systems.
Since its roots spread far and wide, it is said that you would need ample space in your garden before planting a night blooming jasmine. The plant is so intrusive that its roots might grow out from your garden to nearby forests.
Orange jasmine:
orange jasmine, also known as murraya paniculata, does not have invasive roots.
However, the root system of orange jasmine is such that it would grow fine roots and spread more laterally. The taproot of the plant goes deep into the soil.
Asiatic jasmine:
Asiatic jasmine is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that resembles close to vines.
This variety has a clumpy root system that grows out of leaf nodes. Pruning this plant is necessary as it proves to be very invasive in the right climate and soil conditions.
Winter jasmine:
Winter jasmine is fast growing but would only be invasive and grow out everywhere if you leave it unsupported. The roots of winter jasmine begin from the internodes and the stems root where it touches the soil.
Carolina jasmine:
Interestingly, it is possible to grow out multiple Caroline jasmine plants from one because the roots of this variety are rhizomatous.
Rhizomatous roots of this plant can grow and spread out vastly in an area. However, this is one of the beautiful vines that is considered to be more well mannered than other jasmine roots.
Pink jasmine:
Pink jasmine root system is not considered to be invasive. The roots system does well in areas with well drained soil. Nevertheless, the roots would still need some space to grow out properly even for an average 3 to 6 feet tall pink jasmine plant.
Primrose jasmine:
The primrose jasmine plants have a root system that grows well in drier soils. The climbing, more ariel plant roots do not qualify to be the most intrusive ones and can be tamed through pruning.
Arabian jasmine:
The fragrant Arabian jasmine with its vine like foliage is invasive in certain areas.
The strong root system is fast growing and intrusive in tropical areas. Names, the plant would be invasive in places like Florida and Hawaii.
Does Jasmine have deep roots?
Jasmine is one of the plants that have roots that can travel well within the soil. Not only do jasmine plants have deep roots, but the roots are also widespread to any neighboring spot where the plant covers.
When jasmines are first planted, the roots start to grow more slowly until established.
The roots are shallow and just below the growth when they first stem out. Once established in the right climate and soil, the roots will grow both deep and wide. Due to the plant’s deep roots, jasmine plants can be invasive as the root system becomes firm.
With that mentioned, it would be worth nothing that you would not need to find deep soil to plant jasmine.
If you don’t want your plant to be invasive, you would need to be careful in how deep your roots are allowed to go. A good practice can be weeding out the root before it is allowed to intrude into an area where you don’t want it to reach.
Their ability to spread on the ground and throughout the soil means the roots will invade neighboring soil areas. Hence the spacing between plants is also crucial when jasmine plants are potted.
How Deep Are Jasmine Roots?
Jasmine roots can go deep, given the plant receives ample sunlight and the right amount of water. First, when you would first plant it, the roots are quite shallow. They would grow and linger about just below the ground as if they would grow out of it.
As days go by, with the right conditions, the roots begin to establish themselves into the soil and grow deeper. How deep the jasmine roots would somewhat depend on the sunlight water balance, spacing around, and soil conditions.
The growth of the plant outside may also give an idea of how deep the jasmine roots are. Although there is no said number, the roots of jasmine as going 5 to 20 feet deep into the ground. Bigger jasmine plants will be 20 feet or more in root growth.
To give you a clearer idea, you could assume the depth of the root of the jasmine plant by looking at the outer plant. The root tip would be, more or less, the same distance from the base or ground, as the outer tip of the plant would be from the base.
Precisely, the bigger the jasmine plant you have planted or plan to grow, the bigger will be its root system.
When the weather becomes too dry and there is a drought, the plant still fairs well, thanks to the roots. The roots travel deep into the damp soil where they can find water.
Can Jasmine roots damage the foundation or pipes?
With the strong and deep roots of jasmine plants, one of the most common concerns for gardeners is always how invasive the roots can be.
This question is important to be asked because strong roots that grow deep and wide can sometimes destroy underground constructions which include water pipes, gas pipes, and even the foundation of your house.
Jasmine roots, when not planted at a safe distance or pruned or fenced, can be damaging to the house foundation or pipes. If you are concerned about damage, it is best to have your jasmine plant grow in a pot.
If you have already planted one in the ground, make sure you maintain a regular pruning routine. Pruning helps to keep the roots in control and well-mannered, allowing them to be less incursive.
Additionally, if you are someone who is planning to plant jasmine in your garden and don’t have enough space to spread too far out, it is a wise idea to have raised soil for the plant. Raising the ground allows more space for the plant’s roots.
Does Jasmine spread or multiply?
Jasmine plants have numerous varieties, each with a root system of its own.
It depends on the root system of the variety of jasmine plants whether the spread would be invasive or more mannered. It is also possible to propagate jasmine by following a few planting and replanting methods.
One of the common and popular jasmine, star jasmine can spread its growing tip and roots quite vigorously. Initially, the spread is slow, but once established, star jasmine will spread its roots deep into the soil even when the surroundings are dry.
Such jasmine varieties spread with the runners, which means as the plant becomes bigger, the roots spread further wherever the plant touches the ground.
One species known as the Carolina jasmine has a Rhizomatous root system, which means this plant multiplies in the way they spread in soil.
Jasmine propagation is done by making measured cuts following the treatment of the plant is a certain rooting hormone.
Jasmine plants can be multiplied as long as they receive abundant sunlight and adequate amounts of water.
Final Thoughts
Although jasmine plants are not considered to be invasive the root growth of the plant is fast and vigorous. The plant is smaller, yet the roots of most jasmine can grow deep and wide, becoming invasive. Some jasmines like the shrubby ones are less invasive.