The orange jessamine or mock orange is native to China, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, where it is cultivated for its fragrant flowers that open prior to rain as a response to a drop in air pressure. In hot climates, the fragrant coolness that follows precipitation is greatly appreciated. In its native environments it is frequently cultivated as an attractive hedge or screen and is pruned accordingly. However it can be grown as a tree or standard form for a specimen.

It can grow to about 20 feet high and about 8 to 10 feet wide and prefers well-drained, moderately watered soil. The flowers are succeeded by red fruit. It is not hardy in Chicago and must be overwintered in a well-lit area in a suitable container.