Trachelospermum Jasminoides Description
Trachelospermum jasminoides is the Latin name for Star Jasmine, but it is also sometimes referred to as Confederate Jasmine or Chinese Ivy in Asia. A recipient of the RHS 'Award for Garden Merit', Star Jasmine features clusters of white star-shaped flowers that are highly fragrant (stronger scent at night) and bloom from mid to late summer. The oval pointed leaves are a glossy deep-green, with new growth being a lighter shade of green or even a bronze-pink colour for a pretty contrast. As the weather cools, the foliage becomes bronzed and deep red for additional seasonal interest and winter colour.
This lovely self-twining evergreen provides stunning coverage and colour all year round, including winter, and is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making Star Jasmine an excellent and versatile choice for any garden.
Common Uses of Star Jasmine
Star Jasmine is commonly used a climbing vine on a trellis or pergola to provide screening, shade and framing and can also be used to disguise less appealing aesthetics. However, it is most popular and planted for its intensely perfumed fragrance in summer. Aside from providing stunning wall cover, Star Jasmine is also ideal for ground cover or as a low spreading evergreen hedge, and will even thrive in containers. Whether you’re after a plant to provide height or spread, Trachelospermum jasminoides offers both options.
Combine Confederate Jasmine With
Confederate Jasmine has more of a dense structure, and due to its attractive appearance and unique fragrance, this particular plant lends itself to be planted in a stand-alone position in the garden. This is so Confederate Jasmine can be appreciated for its individual qualities. However, it still grows well with other climbers.
Growth Rate of Star Jasmine Climbing Plants
Trachelospermum jasminoides begins with a slow growth rate until the plant is established. Once established, the growth rate will increase significantly. Please note that the average growth rate for Star Jasmine plants is dependent on different variables. These include the soil type, the amount of light the plant receives, location and climate conditions. If Star Jasmine is grown in milder conditions, the growth rate tends to be faster compared to cooler climates. Trachelospermum jasminoides can grow up to several feet a year.
Care Advice for Trachelospermum Jasminoides Plants
Caring for Trachelospermum jasminoides is relatively straight forward and minimal. If you’re preferred choice is to grow Star Jasmine plants as a climber, initial training is required in the early stages. However, following this, minimal care or maintenance is needed after, except for simple pruning or pinching of the tips to support the lateral growth. To use Star Jasmine for ground cover, the height is much easier to maintain around 60cm, with simple trimming of any upward stems. Pruning is recommended after flowering. Trachelospermum jasminoides can be fertilised in spring if required, for example, if the leaves turn yellow. While Star Jasmine plants are fairly drought tolerant, adding a layer of mulch to the surface of the soil will retain moisture and benefit the plant in warm weather conditions.
Recommended Planting Density
It is recommended to plant Star Jasmine with a minimum of 1.5m apart due to the spreading nature.
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