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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Night Jasmine, also known as Parijat, Harsingar, Shuili is a delicate and fragrant flowering plant. It is also commonly recognized under the scientific name Nyctanthes Arbor-tristis.

Its small, star-shaped white flowers with orange centers bloom at night, spreading a sweet, heady fragrance. Although this plant is relatively easy to grow, it can encounter some common problems.

In this article, we will discuss some issues and provide effective solutions for nurturing a healthy Night Jasmine plant (Parijat/Harsingar).

Night Jasmine (Parijat) Plant Care

Problem 1: Not pruned regularly:

Night Jasmine can become leggy and unruly if not pruned regularly.

Solution:

Prune your Night Jasmine in the early spring to remove dead or overgrown branches and encourage bushier growth.
This also promotes better air circulation and blooming.

Hard Pruning:

Perform a hard pruning of the plant after winter to stimulate new growth.

Check this article:

Night Jasmine Plant Complete Care

Problem 2: Overwatering

One of the most common mistakes made when caring for Night Jasmine is overwatering.
This plant prefers well-draining soil and doesn’t tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Solution:

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
Be sure the pot or planting area has good drainage, and consider using a well-draining potting mix.
Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Problem 3: Chlorosis Treatment

If the leaves of the plant begin turning white instead of green, it’s a sign of chlorosis. This occurs when chlorophyll is not forming properly in the leaves due to stress.

Chlorosis in leaves — **chlorosis in leaves**

Solution:

To treat chlorosis follow the tips:

Mix 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt in 5 liters of water.
Spray the solution on the plant twice, with a 15-day gap between applications.
Remove the white leaves.
Place the plant in direct sunlight for a maximum of 1 hour.
Over time, the plant will recover, and new green leaves will grow.

Problem 4: Pests

Night Jasmine can be vulnerable to common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.

Solution:

Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests, including yellowing leaves or tiny insects.
You can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat the infestation.

In severe cases, consider moving the plant outdoors temporarily to allow natural predators like ladybugs to assist in pest control.

Problem 5: Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves are often a sign of nutrient deficiencies or stress in Night Jasmine plants.

Solution:

Feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

Problem 6: Insufficient Light

Night Jasmine thrives in full sunlight.
Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced blooming.

Solution:

Place your Night Jasmine in a location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Problem 7: Root Bound Issue

In the initial years, the plant may do well in the same pot, but after 2-3 years, it may become root-bound.
When this happens, the plant may show signs of stress, such as bent leaves, despite receiving adequate fertilizer and water.
Roots might even start emerging from the bottom hole or appearing at the top of the soil.
This is an indication that the current pot is no longer suitable for the plant.

Solution:

To address this problem, you have two options:

Option 1: Change the pot and shift the plant into a larger pot

Gently remove the plant from the old pot.
Consider using a plastic pot as larger clay pots are not available.
If using a plastic pot, make sure to create drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water stagnation.

Add a small amount of fungicide (less than a teaspoon) and incorporate cocopeat (half of the compost) into the soil mixture.

Larger pots can dry out quickly, especially if exposed to high levels of sunlight, so cocopeat helps retain moisture.
Fill the new pot with the soil mixture and place the old plant in it without disturbing the soil and roots.

Follow the same pruning process to encourage bushier growth.
Maintain the watering and fertilizing routine to support the plant’s growth for the next 3-4 years in the new pot.

Option 2: Root Pruning

Remove the plant from the pot, and trim the side roots without disturbing the main root.
Then, repot the plant in the same pot with fresh soil.

Also read;

How to Grow Night Jasmine from Cuttings & Seeds

Problem 8: Arrival of Seed Pods:

Occasionally, seed pods may develop at the tip of the plant, containing Parijat seeds.
These seed pods should be removed to prevent overcrowding, as excessive seed production can harm the plant.

In conclusion, Night Jasmine (Parijat) is a lovely plant with a wonderful fragrance. By taking care of it and solving the problems we discussed, you can enjoy its beautiful flowers and delightful scent for a long time. Just remember, it needs patience and regular care to grow well.

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

Difference Between Parijat and Aparajita Plant

Difference Between Parijat and Aparajita Plant

1. Overview of Parijat and Aparajita Plants

Parijat (Night-flowering Jasmine / Harsingar)

Aparajita (Butterfly Pea / Clitoria ternatea)

2. Botanical Classification and Growth Habit

Parijat: The Tree with Night-Blooming Flowers

Aparajita: The Creeping Vine with Vibrant Flowers

3. Differences in Flowers and Blooming Patterns

Parijat Flowers: Fragrant and Night-Blooming

Aparajita Flowers: Bright and Day-Blooming

1. All About Parijat (Night Jasmine) Complete Care

2. How To Make Aparajita Bushy & Flowering

Night Jasmine (Parijat) Plant Care: 8 Problems & Solutions

Night Jasmine (Parijat) Plant Care

Problem 1: Not pruned regularly:

Night Jasmine Plant Complete Care

Problem 2: Overwatering

Problem 3: Chlorosis Treatment

Problem 4: Pests

Problem 5: Yellowing Leaves

Problem 6: Insufficient Light

Problem 7: Root Bound Issue

How to Grow Night Jasmine from Cuttings & Seeds

Problem 8: Arrival of Seed Pods:

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