Trachelospermum jasminoides is an evergreen vine celebrated for its lush, dark green foliage and its profuse clusters of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. Though commonly called Star Jasmine, this plant is not a true jasmine but belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It is a versatile and vigorous plant often used as a sprawling ground cover or a climbing vine to cover fences, arbors, and walls. The plant’s twining stems can reach 10 to 20 feet when given support, offering an excellent solution for vertical gardening and screening.
Site Selection and Initial Planting
Selecting the correct planting site is foundational to the long-term success of Star Jasmine. The plant performs best when it receives full sun to partial shade, ideally getting at least six hours of sunlight daily for maximum flowering. In regions with intense, scorching afternoon sun, providing partial shade helps protect the glossy leaves from sunburn.
The soil composition should be fertile, well-draining, and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid planting where water consistently pools, as Star Jasmine is highly susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. To prepare the site, dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, then gently loosen the outer roots before placing the plant.
Amending the native soil with organic matter, such as compost, enhances drainage and nutrient content, especially in heavy clay or very sandy soils. When planting multiple specimens as a ground cover, space the plants at least five feet apart to allow for mature spread and prevent overcrowding. Water the newly planted vine thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Watering and Nutrient Needs
Consistent watering is necessary for Star Jasmine, particularly during its first year as it establishes its root system. Newly planted vines should be watered every few days for the first several weeks, then weekly for the following months, especially during dry spells. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings, preventing wet conditions that lead to fungal issues like root rot.
Once the plant is established, it becomes notably more drought-tolerant, only requiring supplemental water during prolonged periods of heat or dryness. Applying a two to four-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Star Jasmine is not a heavy feeder, but it benefits from a nutritional boost, especially if the soil is not naturally fertile. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring before new growth begins, and again in mid-summer after the main bloom period. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as it can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of its fragrant flowers.
Pruning and Structural Support
Pruning Star Jasmine is a straightforward process that manages its vigorous growth and maintains a tidy appearance. The ideal time for the primary annual pruning is immediately after the main flowering period, usually in late spring or early summer. Pruning after flowering prevents the removal of the current season’s flower buds, which form on old wood.
When pruning, focus on removing dead, damaged, or tangled stems, and cut back overly long vines to control the size and encourage lateral branching for a fuller look. Because the vine’s stems exude a milky, white sap when cut, wear gloves to avoid skin irritation. For plants grown as ground cover, trimming the edges regularly prevents them from sprawling into unwanted areas.
When grown as a climber, Star Jasmine requires structural support because its twining stems need something to wrap around. Trellises, arbors, or fences are necessary to direct the growth vertically. The young, flexible vines must be manually trained and tied loosely to the structure until they begin to twine around the support independently.
Managing Pests, Diseases, and Cold Weather
Star Jasmine is generally a resilient plant, but it can occasionally be affected by certain pests and diseases. Common insect pests include spider mites, soft and armored scale insects, and aphids, which can be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applications. Root weevils may also feed on the roots and the adult beetles chew notches out of the leaves.
Fungal issues like root and crown rot are the most common diseases, almost always a result of poorly draining soil and overwatering. Proper site selection and careful irrigation are the best preventative measures. Leaf spot can also occur, and any discolored or damaged leaves should be promptly removed to improve air circulation and reduce disease spread.
Star Jasmine is a broadleaf evergreen that is hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10, though some cultivars can tolerate Zone 7 with protection. In the cooler end of its hardiness range, the foliage may turn a bronze-red color during winter. To prepare for cold weather, a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant will insulate the roots. Container-grown plants in cold climates should be moved indoors to a sheltered location or overwintered in a cool, bright space to ensure survival.