Trachelospermum

( track - eh - loh - SPUR - mum )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly known as Star Jasmine, this genus of evergreen vines and shrubs needs light shade in warmer climates and regular water. This genus includes groundcovers, climbers and trailing plants and the flowers produced are fragrant and bloom in springtime or early summertime. This is a very useful group of plants, and are employed in the landscape as groundcovers, privacy screening, background foliage, fence line plantings, or simply to bring fragrance to gardens. They can be grown in the ground or in containers.

Trachelospermum Species and Varietals

The genus Trachelospermum is a member of the plant family Apocynaceae, and includes The best growing zones for Star Jasmine vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Trachelospermum asiaticum (Asiatic Jasmine, Yellow Star Jasmine, Asian Star Jasmine)
This native of Japan and Korea grows well in zones 6-24 and has dark green leaves and small flowers in creamy yellow or yellow-white. It has a low growing habit, making it great for groundcovers. Varieties include 'Red Top' (with red new growth) and 'Pink Snow' (with pink new growth that matures to green foliage variegated with white).

Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine, Confederate Jasmine, Maile Haole, Chinese Star Jessamine)
This species grows well in zones 8-24, H1 and H2, and is native to China. It reaches 20-30 feet and can be trimmed into a shrub or used as a groundcover. Leaves are light green when new, and mature to become darker green.. Flowers bloom in small clusters in white, and are a favorite of bees. Great in a variety of situations. Varieties include 'Madison' (a hardy choice), and 'Variegatum' (with leaves edged and marked with white).

Caring for Trachelospermum

Trachelospermum vines do well in full sun to partial shade conditions. On average, should ideally be receiving between 6 and 8 hours of direct light each day, and will flower and produce the best foliage the more sun they get. Some afternoon protection from sun is needed in particularly hot areas to avoid over-stressing the plant or causing foliage sunburn. These vines prefer well-draining soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (neutral to acidic). If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature. 

Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season, especially if a good harvest is desired. Foliage can be trimmed back at any time of the year to control growth and remove dead, damaged and diseased stems and leaves. Doing so will keep the plant at its healthiest form. Pinch young plants to encourage a bushy habit to form. Fertilize plants yearly for the best show of blooms with a dressing of organic compost applied around the base of the vine. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base.

Propagation

Although these vines can be propagated through cuttings as well as via seed, propagation by cutting is so simple and straightforward (and successful) that cutting is a better option in most cases. To propagate your Star Jasmine vine, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Trachelospermum by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new vine.

Problems and Pests

Trachelospermum vines are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases:
  • Scale Insects
  • Spider Mites
  • Root Rot
  • Crown Rot
​For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to treat them, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Although they are mainly known as vining plants, Star Jasmine can also be used as a large-space groundcover.
These plants are popular across the world for their fragrant flowers.
These vines can match with any style of garden, from modern to Mediterranean to cottage.
Star Jasmine vines trained onto walls can go a long way in breaking up eyesores.
Here, Jasmine is planted on either side of a stairway.
Star Jasmine plants can fit well into formal landscapes, as well.

Videos

Learn about these multi-use vines.
How to care for these vines.

Resources

Propagating Upright Rosemary and Star Jasmine
Star Jasmine: How to Grow Trachelospermum jasminoides
How to Grow and Care for Star Jasmine
UCIPM: Star Jasmine - Trachelospermum jasminoides​
Wikipedia: Trachelospermum
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 635, Trachelospermum
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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