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Trachelospermum Jasminoides is the Latin name for a most attractive, evergreen climber. It is commonly known as the star jasmine, although it does not belong to the Jasminum genus. It is a member of the dogbane family and is related instead to the frangipani, carissa, mandevilla and catharanthus. Although classed as a climber, this is a very versatile plant.

Other common names are Confederate jasmine or trader’s compass. The name Confederate Jasmine came about because it is suitable for the United States Gardening Zones 8 to 10. This area is often referred to as the Confederate States of America. The other common name, Trader’s Compass, relates to an Uzbekistan belief that the plant pointed traders in the right direction but only if they were reputable people.

It is native to the woodlands of China, Japan, Korea and India. The star jasmine has become a favorite in domestic and public gardens throughout the world. The glossy leaves are dark green. They are oval in shape and quite pointed at the ends. In summer the creeper is smothered in star-shaped white flowers. These are highly perfumed.

The flowers have five petals and are one to two centimeters in diameter. The plant flowers well in sun or shade but can be slow to become established. Once it has its roots firmly settled it tends to stray and can reach heights of 6 to 9 meters. It isn’t hard to keep under control if it is pruned back after flowering. Stray tendrils can be trimmed off at any time.

The star jasmine is a great addition to pergolas, walls and verandas. It will twine and climb over almost anything, hiding tree trunks or softening the appearance of bare walls. If you don’t need a climber, it makes a lovely groundcover or spill-over plant. It also makes a very fragrant hedge. Another use for Trachelospermum Jasminoides is as an edging for a garden or as topiary specimens.

Not content with being a climber and ground cover, it will thrive in containers. They are a lovely indoor plant and grow well in a greenhouse situation, especially in cold areas. As long as they get some sun through the winter, they will produce fragrant blooms in summer and autumn.

They prefer well-drained soils which contain some organic matter. Once established they are reasonably drought tolerant. Although they are susceptible to frost they will grow in light to heavy soils. There are a few cultivars but they don’t seem as vigorous in their growth patterns as the parent. One has a variegated creamy-white leaf and another, Tricolor, has pink tinges in new growth. The Variegatum cultivar has leaves with white margins.

Valuable oil is distilled from the flowers and used in high quality perfumes. In Asian cultures, the tinctured flowers are used in incense-making. Homeopathic sources state that the plant has a use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other complaints. The stems of Trachelospermum Jasminoides are used for bast fiber, similar to that obtained from flax or hemp. This may be used in high-quality textiles as well as in rope, carpet, sacks, paper, burlap and similar products.

Gardeners who make space for a Trachelospermum Jasminoides among their borders will not regret it. This delightful and obliging plant will brighten up awkward spots, never fearing to grow where other plants wither. Usually referred to by its common name, Star Jasmine, this plant is a great performer that is truly deserving of its title.

The Star Jasmine is a member of the large and varied Apocynaceae family. It hails originally from South East Asia, but is happy to put down roots in any sufficiently clement climate. Conservationists often frown upon this exuberant plant. They view it as an unruly invasive species. However, this does not stop gardeners from loving it, and there is a good reason for that.

These attractive climbing vines give a year round display of glossy green foliage, supplying welcome color during the dormant season. When in flower, the show of delicate tubular blooms can be breathtaking. They are most highly prized, however, for their heavenly scent. The fragrance appeals not only to humans, but will act as a powerful magnet to beneficial garden wildlife, such as pollinating bees.

Once established, the Star Jasmine will grow vigorously. It will quickly smother unsightly fences and walls. It will scramble up pillars and pergolas. It will trail gracefully from large containers. It will not sulk, as many other plants do, when planted beneath a tree, but instead provide mounds of pleasing ground cover. The versatility of this plant is undeniable.

It is best to plant the vines in a neutral soil, but they will cope with a small degree of acidity or alkalinity. The roots are happiest in a rich, but free-draining loam. Given a sunny aspect they will grow strongly, but also do surprisingly well in partially shaded areas. The blooms, as is the case with many white flowers, actually show up better when not exposed to strong sunlight. They benefit from regular watering and feeding during the growing season. Other than this they are little trouble, and are not prone to attack from pests or disease.

The Star Jasmine is classed as a half-hardy perennial. Therefore it grows best in frost free climates. However, with a little careful planting, gardeners in cooler climates may be able to keep it alive in a sheltered position. West facing walls are often a good place to grow tender plants. Those living in considerably colder zones may consider growing the vine as a glasshouse or conservatory plant.

It is easy to propagate new stock from mature plants. The most reliable method is to take semi-ripe cuttings from shoots that do not bear flowers. This should be kept warm, preferably with bottom heat, until they have rooted. In milder areas it may be possible to collect seed from the pods that form at the end of the season.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides makes few demands upon the gardener once established. So long as it is planted in the right conditions it will flourish for many years, providing fantastic cover, color and fragrance. The Star Jasmine is a top performer that more than earns its place in the garden.

Those fortunate enough to enjoy mild conditions should consider finding space for Trachelospermum Jasminoides in their back yard. These pretty and accommodating climbing vines grow happily in a range of horticultural settings. Better known as the Star Jasmine, this plant will steal the limelight and outshine many other garden favorites.

This member of the Milk Thistle family originates from South East Asia. However, it will thrive anywhere where local climate will allow it. Often it is so successful on foreign soils that it is regarded as an invasive thug that crowds out more delicate native species. Nevertheless, this reputation has done nothing to dent its popularity with gardeners who admire it greatly.

The vines sport handsome, evergreen foliage, which turns a delightful bronze hue as temperatures fall. The blossoming period is brief, but the stunning display of abundant, pretty white flowers more than makes up for this. Their true gift to the gardener, however, is their divine fragrance. Understandably, the plant is prized by perfume makers. It is equally attractive to wildlife and will summon hummingbirds, bees and butterflies from near and afar.

The vigorous climbing habit of this plant makes it ideal for training over arbors, trellises and gazebos. They will grow rapidly to cover up unsightly fences and structures. If planted in large enough containers they will spill and trail with grace. They will gladly provide ground cover beneath trees where other plants fail to grow. It is a very useful garden plant.

The Star Jasmine is best planted in neutral soils, but will tolerate a pH range from 6.1 to 7.8. They like to sink their roots into free draining loamy soils. They should be situated in a sunny location, but can still perform well in a semi-shaded area. In fact shade often shows the white flowers up to better effect. They need to be kept moist throughout the growing season and will benefit from regular feeding with a general purpose plant food. They rarely suffer from pestilence or disease.

Gardeners should be aware that this is a tender plant that can be killed by a heavy frost. Those gardening in cooler zones can get around this by making clever use of micro-climates within the garden. As rapid defrosting causes the greatest cell damage, planting against a west facing wall can protect the plant as it is more likely thaw gradually. In some areas, however, the plant must be confined to a greenhouse or conservatory if it is to survive.

Although they are generally long-lived plants it is wise to propagate new stock from the vine every so often. Semi-ripe cuttings taken from a non-flowering shoot will easily take root in a protective environment. Alternatively, it is possible to collect seeds from the ripe pods later in the season. These can be cleaned and stored until it is time for sowing.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is an easy and undemanding plant that more than repays the attention given to it. It will grow for many years, bringing pleasure and stirring happy memories. It serves many practical functions within garden design, yet is never anything less than beautiful to behold.