Tabernaemontana divaricata ‘Little Emerald’ (Crape Jasmine)
Compact, glossy and reliably neat, Tabernaemontana ‘Little Emerald’ is a refined evergreen shrub prized for its dense emerald-green foliage and elegant white pinwheel flowers. Often mistaken for a dwarf gardenia, this variety offers a similar aesthetic without the high maintenance, making it an excellent low-fuss option for hedging, borders, and containers. Its naturally tight growth habit responds well to light pruning and performs beautifully in warm, frost-free gardens, courtyards, and sheltered balconies. Fragrant blooms appear through the warmer months, adding a subtle perfume and visual contrast against the rich foliage. Please note: sap may cause mild skin irritation and the plant is considered mildly toxic if ingested.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade. Flowers best with morning sun and afternoon protection.
Water requirement: Moderate. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; reduce once established.
Soil: Free-draining, fertile soil. Enrich with organic matter; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate Green thumb
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, ideal for pots, low hedges, and formal edging in courtyards or balconies.
Mature Height: 60–90 cm
Mature Width: 60–90 cm
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Low. Protect from frost; best in frost-free or sheltered positions.
Wind Tolerant: Moderate. Prefers protection from strong coastal or drying winds.
Leaf colour: Deep emerald green, glossy
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 8–12 cm long, elliptic, thick and leathery with a polished finish
Flower Colour: White
Flower Shape: Pinwheel / twisted petals, waxy appearance
Flower Fragrance: Light to moderate, sweet
Flower Season: Spring through summer, with sporadic flowering in warm conditions
Tabernaemontana divaricata ‘Little Emerald’ (Crape Jasmine)
Compact, glossy and reliably neat, Tabernaemontana ‘Little Emerald’ is a refined evergreen shrub prized for its dense emerald-green foliage and elegant white pinwheel flowers. Often mistaken for a dwarf gardenia, this variety offers a similar aesthetic without the high maintenance, making it an excellent low-fuss option for hedging, borders, and containers. Its naturally tight growth habit responds well to light pruning and performs beautifully in warm, frost-free gardens, courtyards, and sheltered balconies. Fragrant blooms appear through the warmer months, adding a subtle perfume and visual contrast against the rich foliage. Please note: sap may cause mild skin irritation and the plant is considered mildly toxic if ingested.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade. Flowers best with morning sun and afternoon protection.
Water requirement: Moderate. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; reduce once established.
Soil: Free-draining, fertile soil. Enrich with organic matter; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate Green thumb
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, ideal for pots, low hedges, and formal edging in courtyards or balconies.
Mature Height: 60–90 cm
Mature Width: 60–90 cm
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Low. Protect from frost; best in frost-free or sheltered positions.
Wind Tolerant: Moderate. Prefers protection from strong coastal or drying winds.
Leaf colour: Deep emerald green, glossy
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 8–12 cm long, elliptic, thick and leathery with a polished finish
Flower Colour: White
Flower Shape: Pinwheel / twisted petals, waxy appearance
Flower Fragrance: Light to moderate, sweet
Flower Season: Spring through summer, with sporadic flowering in warm conditions
