Stephanotis

Stephanotis flowers have long been treasured for their beauty and sweet scent. The tropical twining vine, with its dark shiny foliage and snowy flowers, are a traditional element in wedding bouquets and many of us received our first info on the Stephanotis flower from our florist. When we talk about Stephanotis plant care, we’re talking about Stephanotis floribunda, or Madagascar jasmine, though it is not a member of the jasmine family. It is one of five to 10 species identified within the genus of twining vine-like shrubs and is the most popular among indoor gardeners. Advertisement The flowers present as narrow, tubular, waxy horns about 2 inches in length. Each flower has a crown of five lobes and stamens that someone long ago thought looked like tiny ears; hence the name from the Greek stephanos (crown) and otis (ear). The leaves are leathery, oval shaped and opposite, and the plant’s woody tendrils can grow to 20 feet in the wild. Because it is a tender, tropical perennial, info on the Stephanotis flower is usually directed to indoor care, for Stephanotis is very particular about its mini-climate environment.