Plant of the Week: Stephanotis

The Madagascan jasmine lives up to its exotic name with its glossy dark green leaves and gorgeous sprays of starry white, waxy flowers, heavy with sweet scent. As a houseplant it’s amazingly versatile: like all jasmines it is a climbing plant, so you can train it over a support or let it meander along a shelf.

Find your stephanotis a bright spot out of direct sunlight and keep the compost damp through spring and summer, feeding fortnightly with liquid houseplant food. In winter, let the compost dry out and only water occasionally; return to normal in spring and you should enjoy a fresh flush of those gorgeous perfumed flowers.