Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine

Botanical name: Trachelospermum jasminoides

Bloom type: Perennial 

Star Jasmine is an evergreen perennial vine in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).  It is native to Japan and China.  The genus name refers to the Greek words trachelos and sperma for neck and seed.  The specific epithet means similar to jasmine.

For best flowers, grow in fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny spot.  In colder climates, grow as an annual or in containers overwintered indoors.  As a vine, it can grow 20’ tall given a support structure for its twining stems.  Apply a spring fertilizer if the soil is not fertile.  Prune after flowering to keep the plant within the available space. Clean tools after pruning from the sticky sap.  Propagate by stem cuttings or layering.

The abundant creamy white flowers bloom in late spring and sporadically in summer. The flowers are very fragrant like jasmine but are not part of the jasmine genus. Glossy dark green leaves are bronze-red where it is an evergreen.  Star Jasmine has been awarded with the RHS Award of Garden Merit as a reliable plant to grow.  Once established, it is drought-tolerant.

In addition to growing the vine on a trellis or fence for screening, use as a ground cover or sprawling shrub.  Clip it to grow as a houseplant.  Plant it in a patio container or near a walkway to smell the scented flowers.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  There are no serious insect or disease problems but watch for Japanese Beetles.

Information sourced from the NC Master Gardener Plant Toolbox