Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a woody and floriferous climber that grows beyond 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) in height and originates from Asia. It features slender, delicate, and highly branched stems with a wire-like appearance, exuding a milky sap when cut. Its leaves are dark green, smooth, shiny, and opposite, with an oval to lanceolate shape.
There is also a cultivar with variegated cream leaves, which has a beautiful effect but less vigor than the typical form. It blooms in mid-spring, producing clusters of small, pentamerous flowers with a star-shaped and highly fragrant structure. Initially white, the flowers gradually take on cream tones over time. They are highly attractive to bees.
Photo by Herry Lawford
In the garden, star jasmine adds a fine and dense texture, creating scenarios for other species or structures. Use it to soften the harshness of constructions like walls and fences, supporting it with various types of structures such as trellises, trees, pergolas, etc. Additionally, it is widely used for the delightful fragrance of its flowers, leading to the next tip: avoid planting it near windows of sensitive individuals’ bedrooms who may be bothered by the intense and constant perfume.
It can also be grown in pots and planters, provided with support. It is low-maintenance and does not require staking to climb on supports. Annual pruning, performed after flowering, aims to shape the plant and remove diseased, dry, and poorly formed branches. At times, a more drastic pruning may be beneficial to stimulate foliage renewal and restore vigor.
The Star Jasmine should be cultivated in full sun or partial shade, in moderately to highly fertile, well-drained soils, preferably neutral to slightly alkaline, and irrigated at regular intervals. Plants grown in full sun become denser and flower more abundantly than those in partial shade. Once well-established, star jasmine can tolerate short periods of drought. It is resistant to winter cold and light frosts. Propagation is achieved through air layering or semi-woody branch cuttings, rooted in summer and fall.
