Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), also known as Chinese star jasmine, is a lovely climbing plant that ticks a lot of boxes for gardeners. It is vigorous, evergreen and easy to grow in temperate and subtropical climates. It is also highly perfumed indeed. Its name of ‘jasmine’ comes from the clusters of beautifully perfumed, creamy-white, star-like flowers that smother the vine in mid-spring. The flower show doesn’t stop there, as it keeps on blooming for many months; meaning flowers and perfume right through to autumn.

 

Star jasmine varieties

In addition to the common, white-flowered variety (Trachelospermum jasminoides), there is a golden-yellow variety (Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Star of Toscana').

As well as the climbing form, there’s a variegated form (Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Tricolor') grown for its attractively patterned glossy leaves in green, white and pink. It forms a neat, no-fuss cover that you can maintain easily with an occasional trim and is good for shade. It is grown for its colourful, year-round leaves rather than flowers, which appear in spring but without the overwhelming show and scent of star jasmine.

Click here to view and shop all Trachelospermum jasminoides varieties at Flower Power.

Trachelospermum jasminoides (white star jasmine) and Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Tricolor' (tricolor or variegated star jasmine).

 

Where to grow star jasmine

Climbing star jasmine is a plant to cover a fence or train over a pergola, but can also be used as a dense groundcover or to cascade over the edge of a garden or slope. It can also grow in large containers.

Star jasmine will grow in sun or shade, although it may have fewer flowers in heavy shade. It will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but is best in well-drained conditions.

 

Star jasmine pruning and care

Star jasmine needs wires or a trellis to climb on as it grows upwards by twining stems. While it is quick-growing, it can be maintained by occasional hard pruning. It can be pruned at any time to control its spread, but the best time to prune is after its main flush of flowers in late spring. This plant does have a sticky, milky sap which you'll see when you prune the vine or pick the flowers, but the sap is not toxic.

Star jasmine needs little in the way of special care – just regular watering to get it well-established and some support to help it climb. Feed annually in spring with a complete fertiliser. It also has few pests or diseases, although possums will eat it as may the occasional caterpillar. In cold or frost-prone areas, give this plant a warm, sheltered spot with good drainage and protection from cold winter conditions.