Kunda (Jasminum multiflorum), also called Downy Jasmine or Star Jasmine, is a much-loved evergreen jasmine native to the Indian subcontinent. Its arching, softly hairy stems can be grown as a sprawling shrub or trained over fences, arches and trellises. The pure-white, five-petalled star-shaped blooms appear in dense clusters and carry a gentle, sweet fragrance.
Unlike the heavily scented Mogra, Kunda flowers are more delicate in perfume but make up for it in sheer number, covering the plant from late autumn through spring. The downy, dark-green leaves give the plant a soft texture all year round.
Easy to grow across most of India, Kunda thrives in warm climates, tolerates pruning well, and is a favourite for temple gardens, hedges and home balconies where its flowers are picked for worship and hair adornment.
Specifications
| Family |
Oleaceae |
| Native region |
Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) |
| Mature height |
2-3 m as a climber; 1-1.5 m as a shrub |
| Mature spread |
1.5-2.5 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Evergreen, soft downy dark-green ovate leaves |
| Flower colour |
Pure white |
| Flower season |
Mainly winter to spring (Nov-Mar); sporadic year-round in warm areas |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical; suited to most of plains India |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade; flowers best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sun. |
| Watering |
Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 2-3 cm feels dry. Avoid waterlogging. |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained, fertile loamy soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic to neutral pH. |
| Temperature |
Thrives at 20-35 C; protect from hard frost below 5 C. |
| Humidity |
Prefers moderate to high humidity; tolerates average Indian conditions. |
| Fertilizer |
Feed monthly in growing season with balanced NPK or a phosphorus-rich bloom fertilizer; add vermicompost. |
| Pruning |
Prune lightly after the main flush to shape and encourage bushy, free-flowering growth. |
| Repotting |
Repot every 1-2 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix. |
| Propagation |
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood stem cuttings or layering during the warm months. |
| Pests & problems |
Watch for aphids, mealybugs, whitefly and red spider mites; treat with neem oil spray. |
| Toxicity / safety |
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets; jasmines (Jasminum) are not listed as toxic. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
<p>Kunda is a versatile garden and devotional plant in India:</p><ul><li>Fragrant white flowers used in temple offerings and daily worship (puja).</li><li>Strung into garlands and worn by women in the hair.</li><li>Grown as a flowering hedge, screen or trained over arches, gates and trellises.</li><li>Excellent for balconies, terrace gardens and large containers.</li><li>Attracts butterflies and adds evening fragrance to the garden.</li></ul>
Growing tips
<p>Plant Kunda at the onset of the monsoon (Jun-Jul) so the roots establish in warm, moist soil. Choose a spot with morning sun for the best flowering.</p><p>Pinch growing tips while young to build a bushy frame, and give a hard prune after the winter-spring bloom to renew the plant. Feed with a bloom-boosting fertilizer from October onwards to maximise the cool-season flush. In the hot, dry months water in the early morning or evening and mulch the base to conserve moisture.</p>
