Chubushnik and jasmine - what is the difference
Content:
In many garden plots, you can see an ornamental shrub that is covered with snow-white fragrant flowers. Very often it is called jasmine or it is believed that it is a specific plant species from the same family. In fact, this flowering shrub, familiar to everyone, is a mock-orange. The difference between these two plants is colossal. It is very important to know what it is, because each species has certain individual needs for care and growing conditions.
Jasmine or chubushnik - which usually grows in the country
It is unlikely that you will be able to see jasmine on a personal plot somewhere in Central Russia, in the Urals or in the Moscow region. The shrub belongs to the Olive family and is very thermophilic. This plant grows only in tropical or subtropical climates, so it cannot be outdoors in Russia.
Such a familiar garden jasmine
Chubushnik belongs to the Hortensiev family and is less demanding on the climate. Shoots freeze slightly only during severe cold snaps and, moreover, quickly recover. So, having seen an elegant fragrant bush in a neighboring area, you can be sure that this is one of the varieties of mock-orange.
What is the difference between jasmine and chubushnik
To compare these plants, you should pay attention to their appearance, flowering features and habitat in nature. Garden jasmine (chubushnik) and real jasmine are very different in all these parameters.
Description
It is difficult to say that jasmine and mock-orange are similar, what is the difference immediately visible upon closer examination. Is that, there is a very distant similarity in the color of flowers and the aroma that comes from them. If you carefully evaluate the detailed description of each plant and make a comparison from doubts that there is a difference, not a trace will remain.
| Options | Chubushnik | Jasmine |
| Stem shape | Erect. The wood is hard and dense. | Can be climbing, curly or upright. |
| Bark | Young shoots are gray, with age, a brown tint appears and characteristic flaking appears. | Always green. |
| Leaf shape | Dark green, streaked and slightly pubescent. The shape is oval or slightly elongated. | Bright green, glossy. The shape is oval, narrowed towards the edge with an elongated tip. |
| Shoot height | Varies from 1 to 4 meters depending on the variety. | Does not exceed 3 meters. |
As you can see from the table, outwardly, these plants are not at all similar. The difference between chubushnik and jasmine is due to certain nuances in the structure of leaves and shoots, as well as a completely different form of growth.
Jasmine is a vine
Bloom
Comparison of the characteristics of flowers and peculiarities of the flowering of jasmine and mock orange also indicates a number of differences between them. Flowers are very different in appearance, and the smell of mock orange can never be compared with the exquisite scent of jasmine.
A comparison chart will help you see the differences more clearly.
| Characteristic | Chubushnik | Jasmine |
| Flowering period | It lasts about a month from June to July (the timing depends on the characteristics of the climate). | Depending on the variety, the initial phase is from March to June, and the final phase is from September to October. Duration of flowering 2-3 months. |
| Flower structure | Simple ones consist of one row of petals, double and semi-double of several. Large, collected in racemose inflorescences. In the center of the flower there are several small yellow stamens. The color is often white, in some varieties it can have a yellow or milky tint. | On an elongated tubular corolla, large petals are located in one row. Inflorescences are corymbose in shape. The number of stamens emerging from the corolla is two and no more. The color of flowers can be white, yellow or pink. |
| Smell | Some varieties do not smell during flowering. Varieties with fragrant flowers have different shades of scent, some of which vaguely resemble jasmine. | A very characteristic sweet aroma, quite strong. You can hear the smell of flowers only after sunset. |
Once again, you can make sure that jasmine and chubushnik are completely different.
Jasmine flowers are very different in appearance.
Growing area
Jasmine and mock orange are found in the wild on completely different continents. They differ not only in their location, but also in climatic conditions.
Chubushnik can be found in Europe, North America and East Asia. It grows well in temperate climates and normally tolerates nighttime cold snaps.
Jasmine is more thermophilic. It is most often found in the countries of the Middle East, as well as in South and South-West Asia. This plant likes tropical or subtropical climate. This explains the fact that in Russia it can only be seen in a greenhouse or winter garden.
How to distinguish a mock orange from jasmine by external signs
Knowing how the mock-orange differs from garden jasmine is very important for lovers of ornamental shrubs. In garden centers, the chubushnik on the price tag is often called jasmine. Most likely, this is the reason why there was confusion, which led to further errors in the names of flower growers in the names of these plants.
In order to correctly determine which seedling of which plant is supposed to be purchased, it is necessary to carefully examine the plant and pay attention to:
- the shape and color of the leaves;
- the shade and density of the bark;
- the shape of the shoots and their tendency to lodging;
- color, shape and smell of flowers (if any).
In most cases, it is garden jasmine (chubushnik) and its varieties that are sold in domestic garden centers and flower shops. It is almost impossible to find real jasmine seedlings on sale - this is a great rarity.
Determining belonging to a particular family regarding an adult plant is easier. With age, the shape of the shoots and the bush as a whole becomes more pronounced, and the bark acquires a characteristic shade.
Are there any similarities between jasmine and chubushnik
There is some similarity between these species, but very distant. You can make a mistake in the definition only in the absence of information about what a real jasmine looks like. The chubushnik shrub is not at all like it.
Similar characteristics include the aroma and appearance of flowers. Some varieties of chubushnik have a similar aroma, but the shape of the inflorescences is still different. Shade is common, but only from a distance can the flowers of these plants appear similar.
Types of chubushnik
There are many varieties of chubushnik; more than 20 varieties are grown as an ornamental shrub. There are some of the most popular among them.
Coronal chubushnik
It includes two more subspecies, which were previously distinguished into separate ones - common mock-orange and Caucasian.
The shoots of this shrub are erect and rather tall. The bush can reach a height of 3 meters. With age, it is able to form a spreading crown, which remains decorative for many years of growth.
The main feature of the species is the aroma of flowers. It closely resembles a jasmine scent and has a similar intensity. It can easily be mistaken for false jasmine. White flowers with a golden creamy tinge appear quite early compared to other species. The variegated variety Variegatus is especially decorative.
Grayish chubushnik
A very large and tall representative of this species. The height of the spreading crown can reach 4-5 meters. This plant got its name for the unusual pubescence of the leaves, which is similar in color to gray hair.
It has very large leaves that taper towards the edge. Large flowers are collected in lush curved inflorescences.
Grayish mock
Small-leaved chubushnik
This type can be called the most decorative and graceful. Its graceful shoots, covered with small leaves, tend to droop as they grow. This creates a feeling of some airiness and volume.
The bush is rather compact, undersized, the height is no more than 1-1.5 meters. The peculiarity of its flowers is an unusual exotic aroma with notes of strawberry and pineapple.
Small-leaved chubushnik
Thin-leaved chubushnik
Refers to the earliest flowering species - inflorescences are formed at the beginning of summer. Forms a very lush crown of the correct rounded shape. The minimum height of the shoots is 2 meters.
The flowers are very large, about 3 cm in diameter. They have a strong pleasant aroma.
Planting, care and reproduction
Chubushnik is unpretentious and easy to clean. It will not be difficult to plant it in the ground, and further care for the seedling will not be a hassle.
Landing
Planting seedlings in the ground is carried out in spring or autumn. Chubushnik is resistant to cold weather, but when planting in autumn, it is better to cover the plant before the onset of frost.
Landing step by step:
- Pits 50 × 50 cm in size are prepared.
- The bottom is filled with a drainage layer of crushed stone and sand.
- The seedling is placed in a hole and the roots are gently straightened.
- Watered and covered with a mixture of garden soil with compost and sand.
- The topsoil is tamped down a little.
After planting, the seedlings quickly take root and start growing. The first time they especially need watering. To reduce moisture evaporation, it is recommended to mulch the trunk circle after planting.
Care
The chubushnik is very simple to care for. It is enough to carry out several mandatory annual procedures, and he will actively grow the crown and bloom profusely.
Basic care consists of several points:
- abundant watering 2-3 times per season;
- periodic loosening of the soil or mulching;
- making organic dressings in spring and mineral dressing in summer;
- conducting spring sanitary and formative pruning.
The implementation of these elementary measures is quite enough for the chubushnik to fully develop and not lose its decorative effect.
Reproduction
The breeding process of this ornamental shrub is not at all as easy as caring for it. Such methods of obtaining new young plants as cuttings, propagation by layering and seeds are used.
The technique of propagation by cuttings is used as standard, but you should not wait for active growth. Plantings grow very slowly and require constant moisture.
Reproduction of a mock orange by seeds is even longer and more difficult than growing from cuttings. This method is rarely used. It is relevant only if the goal is to grow a rare species of chubushnik, the cuttings of which cannot be obtained.
The rooting process is standard. It can be called the least time consuming, but no less time consuming. It is best to pin the shoots in the fall and cover them for the winter until spring.
Jasmine and mock orange are two completely different plants. They differ not only in appearance, but also in the requirements for growing conditions. Chubushnik can often be found in summer cottages, but the opportunity to admire jasmine can only be presented in a greenhouse.
