Is there such a thing?
No jasmine in the genus Jasminum has pure red flowers. The jasmine people usually mean, pink jasmine, shows deep pink-red buds before the petals open white. A lot of searches for red jasmine are really looking for that bud colour, or for other tropical plants that share the name in various countries.
The nearest match
Jasminum polyanthum is the closest you will find. Its tightly packed buds start a rich rose-red, which gives the vine a two-tone look for a few weeks each late winter. The mature flower is white, so only the buds are red.
Where the confusion starts
- Frangipani (Plumeria rubra) lists "red-jasmine" among its common names, although it is not a true jasmine.
- Star jasmine and Carolina jessamine are not true jasmines either, and Carolina jessamine contains toxic alkaloids.
- Some red tropical climbers and shrubs are sold under looser names, so the Latin name is the safest guide.
Check the Latin name if you want a particular plant, and note that a red "jasmine" is a different plant with different needs.
Growing the pink-budded type
Plant it in full sun on a trellis. It flowers in August to October, and it needs trimming when the flowers fade. Be careful where you plant it, because it is naturalised in Australia and regarded as invasive in bushland. Check weeds.org.au or your state agency first.
Tropical alternatives
In Darwin or Cairns, frangipani is a far better choice than a temperate jasmine, which dislikes constant humidity and warmth.
