Trachelospermum jasminoides

Trachelospermum jasminoides

Star Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides is a twining climber with glossy dark green leaves, turning bronze-red in winter. The fragrant pure white flowers appear from July to August.

This evergreen climber is widely grown in gardens and landscapes for its fragrant and attractive flowers, glossy green leaves, and easy-to-grow nature.

It will perform well in full sun or partial shade, and it is frost hardy in a protected spot.

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Trachelospermum jasminoides, commonly known as star jasmine, is a popular flowering plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Native to eastern and southeastern Asia, this evergreen climber is widely grown in gardens and landscapes for its fragrant and attractive flowers, glossy green leaves, and easy-to-grow nature.

Trachelospermum jasminoides is a woody vine that can grow up to 10 meters long. The leaves are opposite, glossy, dark green, and ovate to lanceolate in shape. The plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that are highly fragrant and appear in clusters from late spring to mid-summer. The flowers give way to small, rounded, woody fruits that contain flat, brown seeds.

Trachelospermum jasminoides is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate some drought and heat but needs regular watering during dry spells. It can also withstand moderate frosts but may require protection in colder regions of the UK.

Trachelospermum jasminoides is commonly propagated by cuttings taken in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long, with a few leaves and a woody stem. They should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a potting mix of equal parts perlite and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright, and humid place until they root, which usually takes about four weeks. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.

Trachelospermum jasminoides is a versatile and multi-purpose plant that can be used in various ways in the garden and landscape.

Trachelospermum jasminoides is primarily grown for its attractive flowers and foliage. It can be trained to climb a trellis, fence, or wall, or allowed to spread as a ground cover. It can also be grown in a container. Trachelospermum jasminoides is prized for its sweet and intense fragrance, which is often compared to that of jasmine. The scent can fill the air and attract bees and butterflies.

Trachelospermum jasminoides can be used to create a living screen or hedge that provides privacy and blocks unwanted views. It can also be used to cover unsightly structures or walls. It can be planted on slopes or banks to control erosion and stabilize the soil, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, headache, rheumatism, and inflammation. Some of its active compounds, such as tracheloside and trachelogenin, have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects.

Trachelospermum jasminoides is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add fragrance, color, and texture to any garden or landscape. Its easy cultivation, adaptability, and multiple uses make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.