Star jasmine
Trachelospermum jasminoides · Apocynaceae
📷 Scott Zona from USA · CC BY 2.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around star jasmine and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- False jasmine
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Plant type
- Woody climbing plant
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy green
- Flowering
- May to July, small fragrant white flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 6 m in height
- Hardiness
- Down to -12°C depending on variety
- Origin
- China and Japan
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Trachelospermum jasminoides climbs slowly in its first years but creates magnificent, fragrant foliage. Guide it onto a support and pinch off the apex in spring to thicken it before flowering.
The common mistake
Expecting flowers in the first year or growing it in too much shade.
The pro's trick
In February, spray a potassium-rich solution (seaweed or fermented plant matter): this promotes flower bud initiation in May and intensifies the fragrance.
Care
Light exposure
False jasmine prefers a sunny to partly shaded location. It tolerates partial shade well but flowers more abundantly in full sun. Install it against a south or southwest-facing wall to optimize flowering and benefit from the warmth.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained, especially during the growing season. Water regularly in spring and summer, reduce watering in fall and winter. Avoid waterlogging which promotes root rot.
Pruning and training
Prune after flowering to limit spread and stimulate branching. Guide the main stems onto your support (trellis, pergola, wall) to structure the plant. Light annual pruning is sufficient to maintain a nice shape.
Soil
False jasmine adapts to most soils but prefers a rich, light, and well-drained substrate. Work in compost or potting soil when planting. Soil that is too compact or chalky can slow growth.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus in spring and early summer to encourage flowering. Monthly feeding is sufficient during the growing period; reduce in fall and winter.
Diseases and pests
False jasmine is generally robust but can suffer from spider mites in dry conditions or powdery mildew if humidity is stagnant. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excessive leaf moisture. Inspect leaves regularly to detect early signs of problems.
Did you know?
Although its small white flowers resemble those of true jasmine (Jasminum), false jasmine belongs to a completely different family, the Apocynaceae. Its common name simply comes from its deceptive floral resemblance. In Asia, particularly in China, this plant has been appreciated for centuries to adorn pergolas and inner courtyards, where its sweet fragrance enchants summer evenings.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Lesser periwinkleVinca minor
- Greater periwinkleVinca major
- OleanderNerium oleander
- Asiatic jasmineTrachelospermum asiaticum
- AmatunguluCarissa macrocarpa
- NosegaytreePlumeria alba
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.