Category Archives: Harsringar

Difference Between Parijat and Aparajita Plant

Confused between Parijat and Aparajita? Check Difference Between Parijat and Aparajita Plant

Difference Between Parijat and Aparajita Plant

 

Often, many gardeners confuse Parijat and Aparajita due to their similar-sounding names. However, these two plants are entirely different in terms of appearance, growth habits, and uses.

Parijat, also known as Night-flowering Jasmine or Harsingar, is a tree that produces fragrant white flowers that bloom at night and fall by morning. On the other hand, Aparajita, commonly called Butterfly Pea, is a climbing vine with striking blue or white flowers that bloom during the day.

Difference Between Parijat and Aparajita Plant

Both plants hold significant cultural and medicinal value, yet they serve different purposes in gardening, medicine, and spirituality. Understanding their differences can help gardeners choose the right plant for their needs.

In this article, we will explore the key distinctions between Parijat and Aparajita, covering their botanical characteristics, medicinal properties, and growth requirements.

Difference Between Parijat and Aparajita Plant

 

1. Overview of Parijat and Aparajita Plants

 

Parijat (Night-flowering Jasmine / Harsingar)

  • Scientific Name: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

  • Type: Tree or large shrub

  • Flowers: White, fragrant flowers with an orange-red center, blooming at night

  • Other Names: Night-flowering Jasmine, Harsingar, Coral Jasmine. Shiuli, or Shefali

  • Uses: Traditional medicine, religious rituals, ornamental purposes, natural food coloring

  • Growth Habit: Perennial, Can grow up to 10 meters tall

Aparajita (Butterfly Pea / Clitoria ternatea)

  • Scientific Name: Clitoria ternatea

  • Type: Climbing vine

  • Flowers: Blue or white, blooming during the day

  • Other Names: Butterfly Pea, Asian Pigeonwings, Bluebellvine, Shankhpushpi

  • Uses: Traditional medicine, natural food coloring, herbal tea

  • Growth Habit: Perennial or annual creeping vine


2. Botanical Classification and Growth Habit

 

Parijat: The Tree with Night-Blooming Flowers

 

Parijat typically grows in warm, tropical regions and thrives in well-drained soil with ample sunlight.

  • The tree can reach heights of up to 10 meters and develops a spreading canopy with rough bark.

One of its most distinguishing features is its nocturnal blooming cycle.

  • The fragrant flowers open at night and fall to the ground by morning, creating a beautiful carpet of white and orange blossoms beneath the tree.
  • The fallen flowers are often collected for religious offerings and medicinal uses.

Aparajita: The Creeping Vine with Vibrant Flowers

 

Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) is a fast-growing, twining vine. Unlike Parijat, which is a tree, Aparajita is a herbaceous plant that thrives in warm climates and spreads rapidly by climbing over fences, trellises, and other support structures.

aprajita white purple
Aparajita
  • The plant produces bright blue or white flowers with a distinct shape, resembling a butterfly, which is why it is commonly called Butterfly Pea.
  • The flowers bloom during the day and are often used to make herbal tea or as a natural dye.

3. Differences in Flowers and Blooming Patterns

 

Parijat Flowers: Fragrant and Night-Blooming

Parijat flowers are delicate and highly fragrant, with pure white petals surrounding a deep orange-red center.

Night jasmine Parijat

Unique flowering pattern

These flowers bloom only at night and naturally drop off by morning.

  • The fallen blossoms retain their fragrance and are widely used in religious rituals, particularly in Hindu traditions.

Aparajita Flowers: Bright and Day-Blooming

Aparajita flowers, on the other hand, are vibrant blue or white and have a striking pea-like shape.

Aprajita blue beauty

  • They bloom in daylight and remain on the plant for an extended period.
  • Unlike Parijat, these flowers are not known for their fragrance but are prized for their color and medicinal properties.

Other key differences between Parijat and Aparajita Plant

1. Growing Season:

Parijat  – Parijat thrives from February to October. During this period, new branches and leaves emerge at a remarkable pace.

Aparajita – Grows throughout the year in warm climates

2. Blooming Season:

Parijat – The plant produces flowers during the autumn season, specifically from October to December.

Aparajita – Flowers bloom continuously during warm months specifically from March to October.

3. Dormancy  period

Winter serves as the dormancy period for both Parijat and Aparajita plant.

  • Particularly in North India, from the end of December until January, both plant undergoes a period of stress.

4. Leaf Characteristics

Parijat – Slightly pointed, rough texture, matte finish, dry to touch

Aparajita – Small leaves with a smoother texture

5. Sunlight Requirement

Both Parijat and Aparajita plant requires 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight for blooming and healthy growth.

6. Watering Needs

Parijat – Prefers dry soil, does not thrive in consistently moist soil.

Aparajita – Prefers moist soil for healthy growth.


Also, read:

1. All About Parijat (Night Jasmine) Complete Care

 

2. How To Make Aparajita Bushy & Flowering

 

Whether you wish to plant a sacred tree in your garden or cultivate a beautiful vine for its health benefits, understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice.

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Harsringar flowering

My Harsringar (Parijat) Started Flowering on 1st October: Expert Tips for Healthy Blooms

Harsringar (Parijat) Flowering Tips

 

I’m excited to share that my beloved Harsringar, also known as Parijat or Night-blooming Jasmine, has finally started flowering today, on 1st October.

This plant is special to me, not just for its beauty but because it has a fascinating blooming cycle. For nine months of the year, the Harsringar waits patiently, and as soon as October arrives, it bursts into bloom almost as if on cue. It’s no wonder we sometimes call it the “October Plant.”

Harsringar flowering
Harsringar flowering

The flowers of Harsringar are also deeply rooted in tradition and culture. These flowers are often used in worship during Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations, making them sacred to many.

But what do you do if your plant isn’t flowering? Don’t worry! Below, I’m sharing Harsringar (Parijat) flowering tips that can help encourage your Parijat to bloom.

Expert Tips to Make Your Parijat Bloom

 

1. Do Light Pruning

 

Pruning harsringar

If your Harsringar is not flowering, light pruning is one of the first steps you should take.

Pruning encourages the plant to focus its energy on new growth and flower production.

  • Trim away dead or old branches to stimulate fresh blooms. Just be careful not to overdo it—light, precise pruning works best!

2. Use Banana Peel Liquid Fertilizer

 

The right nutrients can make a world of difference for your Harsringar. One effective, natural fertilizer is banana peel liquid fertilizer.

Banana peels are packed with potassium, which helps with flower production.

Note:

  • To make it, simply soak banana peels in water for a few days and use the liquid to feed your plant.
  • This can boost flowering and improve the overall health of the plant.

Click here to read: How to make & use Banana Peel Fertilizer on Plants

 

3. Spray Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer

 

Seaweed liquid fertilizer is another great option to help your Harsringar bloom.

  • Rich in trace minerals and essential plant growth hormones, it promotes healthier growth and helps plants recover from stress.
  • A light spray every few weeks can do wonders for your Parijat, especially if it’s struggling to produce flowers.

Click here to read: Seaweed Fertilizer Benefits & Uses

 

4. Water Regularly

 

After pruning and fertilizing, it’s crucial to water your plant regularly.

While Harsringar doesn’t need to be waterlogged, it does appreciate consistent moisture.

  • Aim for even watering without letting the soil dry out completely.
  • Too much or too little water can both prevent flowering, so keep the balance right.

Click here to read: Harsringar Plant Complete Care Tips

 

5. Ensure Proper Sunlight Exposure

 

One of the most important factors in encouraging blooms on your Harsringar is adequate sunlight.

This plant thrive in sunlight and need about 3 to 4 hours of direct light each day.

  • If your plant is not flowering, it could be because it’s not getting enough light.
  • Consider moving it to a sunnier spot to ensure it’s receiving enough rays to encourage flowering.

Enrich the Soil with Organic Compost

 

A plant is only as healthy as the soil it’s growing in. Harsringar needs soil that is rich in organic matter.

  • Adding compost to your plant’s soil ensures it has all the nutrients it needs to produce flowers.
  • Organic compost improves soil texture, provides essential nutrients, and enhances moisture retention, all of which are beneficial for flowering.

Check the Pot Size and Drainage

 

Sometimes, plants can stop flowering if they’re root-bound or if there’s poor drainage in their pot.

If your Harsringar has been in the same pot for a long time, consider repotting it into a larger container with good drainage holes.

  • This will give the roots more room to grow and prevent water from stagnating, which can cause root rot.

Conclusion

Seeing my Harsringar burst into bloom every October is a joyful reminder of the beauty of nature and the reward of patient gardening. If your plant isn’t flowering, don’t despair—just follow these expert tips! With a little care and attention, your Parijat will soon be blooming and filling your space with its delightful fragrance.


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