“Jasmine crepe” often refers to Trachelospermum jasminoides, or Star Jasmine. This evergreen plant is valued for its fragrant blooms and versatile growth, making it a popular choice in gardens. This guide provides information for growing and maintaining Star Jasmine.
What Is Star Jasmine?
Trachelospermum jasminoides is a woody evergreen vine with twining stems and glossy, dark green oval leaves that can turn bronze-red in cooler winter months. It grows as a vigorous climber, reaching 3 to 6 feet unsupported, or up to 20 feet (4 to 8 meters) with support. Its fragrant, star-shaped white flowers, about 1 inch across, emerge in clusters from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators.
Planting Star Jasmine
Star Jasmine thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least eight hours of daily sunlight for abundant blooms. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can protect it from intense heat. The plant requires fertile, well-draining soil, preferring neutral to slightly acidic pH levels (6.0-7.0). Incorporating compost or other organic matter before planting improves drainage and fertility.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, lightly tamping to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to aid root establishment. For groundcover, space plants at least five feet apart. For container planting, ensure the pot has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix, increasing pot size annually to accommodate growth.
Caring For Star Jasmine
Regular watering is necessary, particularly during the first growing season, to develop a deep root system. Once established, the vine shows moderate drought tolerance, but consistent moisture is beneficial, especially in dry conditions. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry, ensuring not to overwater, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilize Star Jasmine with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 5-10-10) in early spring before new growth and again in mid to late summer after the main blooming period. Avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Star Jasmine tolerates temperatures as low as 10°F to 15°F for short durations, thriving best between 60°F and 75°F. It also appreciates humid conditions.
Pruning Star Jasmine
Pruning Star Jasmine maintains its shape and size, promoting healthy growth and abundant blooms. The ideal time for significant pruning is immediately after the main flowering period, typically in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to recover and set new flower buds for the following season, as blooms appear on old wood. Avoid late autumn or winter pruning, as this can affect spring flowering.
For general maintenance, remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches using clean, sharp pruning shears. To control size and encourage bushiness, cut back stems to a side shoot or just above a leaf node. If overgrown, a hard prune can be performed in early spring or immediately after flowering to rejuvenate the plant, cutting back stems by one-half to two-thirds. Regular, light trimming throughout the growing season manages vigorous growth and keeps the plant tidy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves on Star Jasmine can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Overwatering leads to root rot, impairing nutrient absorption, while insufficient watering causes dehydration. A lack of nitrogen or iron can also cause leaves to yellow; a balanced fertilizer or iron supplement can help. If the plant is not blooming, common causes include insufficient sunlight or incorrect pruning timing. Increasing light exposure to at least eight hours daily and pruning after flowering encourages more blooms.
Star Jasmine can encounter pests like spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites, tiny sap-feeding insects, cause yellowing leaves and fine webbing, thriving in dry conditions. A strong stream of water or insecticidal soap can control them.
Scale insects appear as small, shell-like bumps on stems and leaves, sucking plant sap and excreting sticky honeydew. Horticultural oil applications can smother scales, and manual removal is effective for minor infestations. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf blight, and Southern blight can also occur, appearing as spots or wilting. Proper watering and good air circulation help prevent these issues, and specific fungicides may be necessary.
Versatile Uses in the Landscape
Star Jasmine is a versatile plant for various landscape applications. As a climbing vine, it can be trained to cover trellises, fences, arbors, or walls, creating a fragrant green screen. Its self-twining habit allows it to cling to supports, providing dense coverage. It also functions as a groundcover, spreading to form a lush, evergreen carpet, particularly in partial shade where it may grow slower but still establish well.
The plant can create an informal hedge or soften hard architectural features. When grown in containers, Star Jasmine brings fragrance and beauty to patios, balconies, or entryways, though it still requires a support structure to climb.