Murraya, often known as Orange Jessamine, it is an evergreen shrub celebrated for its fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers and glossy foliage. With its citrusy aroma and versatility, Murraya adds both beauty and a pleasant scent to your garden. These low-maintenance shrubs are ideal for hedges, screens, or as standalone ornamental plants, bringing a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.
Planting Calendar
Murraya is best planted in spring, summer and autumn.
Harvest In
Murraya flowers in spring and summer
Prepare
Murraya is a medium sized shrub with small aromatic glossy green leaves and small white, Jasmine like flowers which are highly fragrant and waft in the air. Murraya grows to about 2.5-3m and makes a great hedge or screen. It is well suited to fragrant, white, cottage or tropical gardens and works well when planted near the pool or patio where its delightful fragrance can be enjoyed.
Position
Murraya does best when in full to partial shade. It can be grown in the sun, but is best planted where it is out of the hot midday sun.
Soil
When planted into the ground Murraya prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk or base of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground. Replenish mulch each spring.
Spraying
Aphids can be treated by spraying with Bugtrol.
Pruning
Murraya can be pruned to maintain size and shape. When growing as a hedge prune twice a year to encourage new growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best location to plant Murraya?
Murraya thrives in a sunny to partly shaded position. It prefers well-drained soil and can handle both coastal and inland conditions.
How often should I water Murraya?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
When should I prune Murraya?
Murraya can be pruned to maintain size and shape. When growing as a hedge prune twice a year to encourage new growth.
Does Murraya attract pests or diseases?
Murraya is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can occasionally attract scale insects and aphids. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate pest control methods can help.
Is Murraya suitable for hedging?
Murraya is an excellent choice for hedging. Its dense foliage and ability to withstand regular pruning make it ideal for creating formal or informal hedges.