How to Grow Trachelospermum – Star Jasmine

ByStephen Albert

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Trachelospermum–commonly called star jasmine or confederate jasmine–is a tropical vine that produces clusters of small fragrant white flowers in summer.

Trachelospermum is a rapid grower. It is a twining vine with glossy green leaves. Trachelospermum can be grown on a trellis, used as a screen or it can be grown as a groundcover.

Trachelospermum flowers are white, tubular, fragrant, and star-shaped. The flowers bloom in clusters in spring and summer. Plants can grow to 28 feet (9m) but can be pinched and pruned to grow smaller and bushy.

Trachelospermum is a genus of about 20 species of woody, evergreen, twining climbers native to woodland from India to Japan

Get to know Trachelospermum

  • Plant type: Evergreen summer-blooming vine
  • Growing Zones and range: Zones 8-9
  • Hardiness: Half-hardy
  • Height and width: 20 to 28 feet (6-9m) long
  • Foliage: Glossy oval to lance-shaped glossy dark green leaves up to 4 inches long; stems when broken emit a milky latex
  • Flowers: Small, salverform flowers with cylindrical tubes and 5 spreading lobes; fragrant when flowers are in the sun
  • Bloom time: Summer
  • Uses: Grow on trellis or fence; use as a screen or grow as a groundcover; grow indoors where marginally hardy
  • Common name: Star Jasmine
  • Botanical name: Trachelospermum spp.
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Origin: Woodland from India to Japan

Where to plant Trachelospermum

  • Plant Trachelospermum in full sun to part shade.
  • Grow Trachelospermum average, evenly moist soil.
Star jasmine, Trachelospermum
Star jasmine, Trachelospermum


When to plant Trachelospermum

  • Set established Trachelospermum in the garden in spring or fall.

Planting and spacing Trachelospermum

  • Space Trachelospermum 6 to 8 feet apart.

How to water and feed Trachelospermum

  • Trachelospermum needs moderate to ample water; keep the soil evenly moist.
  • Fertilize Trachelospermum only if the soil is poor.
  • If the soil is too rich, blooms will be diminished.

Trachelospermum care

  • Mulch around Trachelospermum to conserve soil moisture.
  • Trachelospermum will need tying into a trellis or stake.
  • Trachelospermum seldom needs pruning, but if pruned do so in late winter or early spring.

Growing Trachelospermum as a houseplant

  • Grow Trachelospermum in a room with cool to average temperature, bright light, and medium to high humidity.
  • The growing medium should be soilless and well drained. Let the medium dry slightly between waterings.
  • Fertilize every two to three months.
  • Trachelospermum can be grown on a trellis or other support.
  • Frequent pinching of the growing tips will result in a bushy plant that does not need support.

Trachelospermum pests and diseases

  • Trachelospermum can be attacked by whiteflies, scale, and mites.
  • Leaf spot and root rot can occur.

Trachelospermum propagation

  • Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer
  • Layer Trachelospermum in autumn.

Trachelospermum varieties to grow

  • Trachelospermum asiaticum, yellow star jasmine. has yellow flowers with dark throast and grows to 15 feet tall.
  • Trachelospermum jasminodies, star jasmine, Confederate jasmine. Grows 6 to 8 feet tall; white flowers with wavy lobes. Cultivars ‘Japonicum’ has white-veined leaves; ‘Variegatum’ has variegated green and white leaves, often tinted in red.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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