Another Perfect Plant: Trachelospermum jasminoides

Trachelospermum jasminoides, or star jasmine, is a low-maintenance, evergreen vine with fragrant, white flowers. Native to Eastern and Southeastern Asia, it is dependably cold-hardy in the Puget Sound region. It creates a beautiful backdrop when trained up a trellis or over an arbor. I have mine in a large pot on a balcony, where it is happily growing along my railing. 

Star jasmine is uniquely well-behaved in its growing habits. Unlike Boston ivy or climbing hydrangea, star jasmine climbs by twining and is unlikely to stick to surfaces where it is not wanted. Unlike other twining vines, such as wisteria, its tendrils do not bulk up significantly over time, so it does not require the same level of maintenance to prevent damage to wooden structures. 

A simple lattice, metal railing, or wire trellis system is perfect for supporting its growth. It can grow up to twenty feet high if given the chance and will spread to the extents of its support structure. It tends to hang onto its lower leaves, maintaining a lovely density of glossy, green foliage year-round. 

Star jasmine is happiest when planted in rich, well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. In full sun, it blooms like crazy from late spring through the summer and even into early autumn. Its small white flowers have a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance.

While its flowers are similar to other jasmines in appearance and it bears the common name of star jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides is not a true jasmine. True jasmines belong to the genus Jasminum, and many are not hardy in the Pacific Northwest. However, they do have an enchanting and distinctive fragrance. If you have your heart set on a true jasmine, be sure to do your research and get one that will survive the winter. They are out there but less common at our local nurseries.

Star jasmines are widely available and grow beautifully in our region. For slightly cooler growing zones, the variety ‘Madison’, selected in Madison, Georgia promises to be a more cold-hardy and vigorous option. Rare in cultivation now but with superior attributes, it will become increasingly available.  

Photo by Audrey McLane

Photo by Renae Abbate

Star jasmine grows up and along a trellis at Seattle’s University Village. Photo by Alanna Matteson.

Photo by Alanna Matteson