Trachelospermum jasminoides

A vigorous medium-sized evergreen twining woody climber that grows 4-8m tall and 1m wide.

Fragrant clusters of small creamy-white highly scented flowers are produced through spring and summer. Leaves are ovate dark green and leathery. If exposed to cooler temperatures the leaves often exhibit a reddish tinge.

Grow in fertile well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade with shelter from cold winds. Moderately frost hardy.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows plants to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Young plants require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and raising beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure.

Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square meter as new growth emerges.

Mulching annually helps suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose but keep mulching material away from the trunk. They benefit from a dressing (50g/m2) of general purpose fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins this will encourage more vigorous healthy growth. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil taking care not to damage surface roots.

The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Pests and diseases can have serious debilitating effects on young plants; check regularly. Check ties for chafing and constriction and remove as soon as plants are strong enough to withstand winds without damage.

Star jasmine requires little formative pruning and training as it is a self-clinging twining climber and will cover the space effectively on its own. Young growth will need some guidance and tying into supports until it is able to twine and climb. After that, it can be left to scramble upwards mound up and then arch downwards with a cascade of flowering shoots. Maintenance pruning is done in spring and consists simply of thinning out congested weak or badly placed shoots. Wayward branches can be tied back to their supports to improve the shape of the plant. Milky white sap is excreted when pruning which can cause skin irritation for some people so wear appropriate clothing when pruning. Tools require cleaning after pruning as the sap will leave them very sticky (this is good practice for all tool maintenance after use).

Potted specimens respond well to the addition of slow release fertiliser in spring and regularly replenished soil. Renovation if necessary, consists of cutting all shoots back by two thirds.

Urban Trees

Be careful not to confuse this plant with the weedy jasmine called Jasminum polyanthum.