Confederate Jasmine/Star-Jasmine

Confederate Jasmine/Star-Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides 

• ​Common name: Confederate jasmine, Star jasmine
  
• Scientific name: Trachelospermum jasminoides
  
• Family name: Apocynaceae
  
• Origin: Tropical Asia
  
• Height: Variable – with support, it can reach up to 20 ft, and without support, it will be around 1 to 2 ft tall
  
• Width: 4 to 5 ft
  
• Growth: Fast
  
• Zone: USDA Zones 8 through 11
  
• Light needs: Full sun to part shade.
  
• Salt tolerance: Low
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Tolerant of many soil types as long as the soil is moist and well-drained. Soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5, but can tolerate neutral and slightly alkaline soil.
  
• Moisture: Moderate water needs – soil should remain moist.
  
• Drought tolerance: High
  
• Pests/Diseases: No major pests or diseases. Occasional scale and sooty mold.
  
• Growing conditions: Grow this plant in a warm, sunny area with plenty of room to spread. It is tolerant of many soil types and is drought tolerant, although it will grow best with somewhat moist soil. Mulch the soil to retain adequate moisture. It can tolerate part shade but will not produce as many flowers. It takes well to trellises and fences and responds well to pruning.
  
• Characteristics: This plant will form a low shrub or ground cover if grown without support and a dense, twining vine if given a trellis or fence to climb. Leaves are glossy green and grow opposite, reaching around 3 inches long. Clusters are bright white, five-petaled flowers bloom in spring and summer and have a strong sweet scent. The fruit is a thin, inconspicuous pod which contains numerous seeds.
  
• Propagation: By cuttings.
  
• Wildlife: Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
  
• Facts: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, and it is recommended to wear gloves while handling the plant, as it may cause skin irritation. An oil is extracted from the flowers and used in perfume. Despite the common name “Confederate Jasmine,” it is not native to the United States, but it was planted widely in the South during the Antebellum period.
  
• Designer considerations: An excellent plant for trellises, fences, and any other area where the flowers can be seen and enjoyed. The scent of the flowers is so potent that it can often be smelled throughout an entire backyard. 
  

Location

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