Star Jasmine And Trachelospermum

Star Jasmine In NZ

Star Jasmine isn't just a plant, it's a wonderful, sensory experience. Its star-shaped, white flowers unleash a perfume so intoxicating it can fill a room, earning it the nickname "Queen of the Night." This climbing vine, originating from Southeast Asia and has captured hearts and adorned gardens for centuries across NZ and the world.

Star jasmine isn't one singular species, but a group within the Trachelospermum genus. Their shared features include glossy, dark green leaves that accentuate the pure white, five-petaled flowers. However, each variety offers a unique twist. Trachelospermum jasminoides, the most common, flowers throughout late spring and summer. Trachelospermum asiaticum has larger flowers and earlier flowering.

Caring for Star Jasmine is relatively simple in NZ. As a climber, it thrives on a trellis or other support structure, and can reach heights of up to 10 metres. More often it is contained to smaller sizes with trimming. A well-drained soil is key as it will struggle and perform poorly when the soils are wet or heavy. Star Jasmine can be grown well in either full sun or partial shade. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth, a tidier plant, and more prolific flowering.

Star Jasmine holds cultural significance in various countries. In China, it symbolizes purity, innocence, and eternal love, often adorning bridal bouquets. In Thailand, it signifies everlasting commitment and is exchanged during weddings. Its association with love and happiness coupled with its fantastic form, flowering, and foliage makes it a popular choice for gardens. It can turn a bland area into a spectre of fragrant beauty and is a great choice for a NZ garden.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides And Trachelospermum Asiaticum For Sale

Growing colourful shrubs and climbers in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

The Plant Company has the largest variety of Trachelospermum and Star Jasmine plants, and we have the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Star Jasmine, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides Compared To Trachelospermum Asiaticum

Trachelospermum jasminoides and Trachelospermum asiaticum, both known as Star Jasmine, share many similarities but possess subtle differences that make them unique.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides:

• This vigorous climber explodes with fragrant, white star-shaped flowers in spring and summer, filling the air with its intoxicating perfume.
• Trachelospermum Jasminoides thrives in full sun and produces the most flowers in this position. It will also grow well in partial shade.
• Quickly reaches impressive heights, up to 10 metres, though is easily trimmed to smaller sizes.
• Retains its glossy, dark green leaves year-round, adding a sense of freshness to a garden even during winter.
• Prefers mild climates, requiring protection from heavy frost.

Trachelospermum Asiaticum:

• Produces smaller, creamy white flowers with a distinctive yellow centre and has a slightly different fragrance.
• Flourishes in dappled sunlight as might occur under a deciduous tree. It can also be grown in full sun without issue.
• A more restrained climber, Trachelospermum asiaticum reaches just 2-3 metres. It is perfect for smaller spaces or using as ground cover.
• Dark green leaves that are slightly smaller than Trachelospermum Jasminoides are held throughout the year.
• It can withstand colder temperatures better than Trachelospermum Jasminoides.

Choosing Your Star Jasmine:

Ultimately, the best choice of Star Jasmine depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you seek a vigorous climber with a prolific display of dazzling white flowers, Trachelospermum jasminoides might be your match. However, if you prefer a slower-growing, more delicate vine that thrives in partial shade and can withstand colder winters, Trachelospermum asiaticum could be your best option.

Remember, both these Star Jasmine species require well-draining soil, moderate watering, and occasional pruning. Regardless of your choice, you'll be rewarded with a cascade of fragrant stars, lush foliage, and a garden filled with perfume.

Star Jasmine Questions

1. What are the special features of star jasmine?

Star jasmine, also known as confederate jasmine or Trachelospermum jasminoides, is a popular flowering vine that is valued for its fragrant white flowers, dense foliage, and ease of care. Here are some of the special features that make star jasmine an attractive and versatile plant:

• Fragrant Flowers: Star jasmine is best known for its abundant clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that emit a strong, sweet fragrance, particularly at night. The fragrance is often described as similar to jasmine, hence its name. The flowering season typically lasts from late spring to early fall, adding a delightful sensory experience to gardens and patios.
• Dense Foliage: Star jasmine features glossy, evergreen leaves that provide attractive year-round greenery. The leaves are typically oval in shape with a pointed tip and a dark green color, creating a lush and visually appealing backdrop for the fragrant flowers.
• Ease of Care: Star jasmine is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is adaptable to various growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate some shade and is moderately drought-tolerant. Pruning is minimal, typically only required to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
• Vertical Growth Habit: Star jasmine is a twining vine that can grow up to 30 feet in length, making it an excellent choice for covering fences, trellises, arbors, and other structures. It can also be trained to grow as a groundcover or espaliered against a wall.
• Attractive to Pollinators: Star jasmine's fragrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to a healthy ecosystem and enhancing the pollination of nearby plants.
• Year-Round Interest: Star jasmine provides visual interest throughout the year, with its fragrant flowers in spring and summer, evergreen foliage in autumn and winter, and a pleasing silhouette against the landscape.
• Adaptability to Different Styles: Star jasmine can be incorporated into various garden styles, from formal landscapes to cottage gardens and natural woodland settings. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of design preferences.

Overall, star jasmine is a valuable addition to any garden or landscaping project, offering a combination of beauty, fragrance, ease of care, and versatility. Its ability to provide vertical coverage, attract pollinators, and add year-round interest makes it a popular choice for homeowners and garden enthusiasts alike.

2. How far will star jasmine grow?

Star jasmine, also known as confederate jasmine or Trachelospermum jasminoides, is a vigorous vine that can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) in length under ideal conditions. It typically grows at a rate of 2-3 feet per year. The growth rate can be influenced by several factors, including available sunlight, soil quality, watering frequency, and pruning practices.

3. Is star jasmine hard to maintain?

Star jasmine is not hard to maintain. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is adaptable to various growing conditions and requires minimal care. Here are some general guidelines for caring for star jasmine:

• Sunlight: Star jasmine prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as abundantly in shadier locations.
• Soil: Star jasmine prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it may not thrive in heavy clay or very sandy soils.
• Watering: Star jasmine is moderately drought-tolerant, but it will benefit from regular watering during dry periods. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Fertilizer: Star jasmine does not require heavy feeding. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer is usually sufficient.
• Pruning: Pruning is minimal for star jasmine. Typically, it is only required to maintain shape, control growth, and encourage flowering. Prune away any dead or damaged branches in the late winter or early spring.
• Pests and Diseases: Star jasmine is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and powdery mildew.

Overall, star jasmine is an easy-to-care-for plant that rewards minimal effort with beautiful flowers and fragrant blooms. Its adaptability and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for homeowners and garden enthusiasts.

4. Does Trachelospermum like sun or shade?

Trachelospermum, commonly known as star jasmine, thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers bright, direct sunlight for several hours each day, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon. Too much shade can hinder its flowering and overall growth.

5. How fast does Trachelospermum jasminoides grow?

Trachelospermum jasminoides, also known as confederate jasmine or star jasmine, is a vigorous vine that demonstrates a fast growth rate. Under favorable conditions, it can reach a growth rate of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) per year. This means that within a few years, it can cover significant areas, making it an excellent choice for quickly establishing a dense and attractive covering on fences, trellises, arbors, or other structures.

6. Is Trachelospermum self clinging?

Trachelospermum jasminoides, also known as star jasmine or confederate jasmine, is considered a self-clinging vine. It has the ability to attach itself to various surfaces, such as walls, fences, trellises, and arbors, using its sturdy twining stems and aerial rootlets. This self-clinging nature allows it to climb and cover structures without requiring external support.

While Trachelospermum jasminoides is self-clinging, providing some initial guidance and support can help it establish a strong and secure attachment. This may involve tying the young stems to the desired support until they develop the strength to climb on their own. Once established, the vine will naturally twine and ascend, creating a dense and attractive covering.

7. What are the characteristics of Trachelospermum?

Trachelospermum jasminoides, also known as confederate jasmine or star jasmine, is a popular evergreen woody vine valued for its fragrant flowers, dense foliage, and ease of care. Here's a summary of its key characteristics:

1. Fragrant Flowers: Trachelospermum jasminoides is renowned for its abundant clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that emit a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance, particularly in the evening. The flowering season typically lasts from late spring to early fall, adding a delightful sensory experience to gardens and patios.
2. Dense Foliage: This vine features glossy, oval-shaped evergreen leaves with a pointed tip and a dark green color. The foliage provides year-round greenery, creating a lush and visually appealing backdrop for the fragrant flowers.
3. Ease of Care: Trachelospermum jasminoides is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in various growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate some shade and is moderately drought-tolerant. Pruning is minimal, typically only required to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
4. Vertical Growth Habit: Trachelospermum jasminoides is a vigorous vine that can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) in length, making it an excellent choice for covering fences, trellises, arbors, and other structures. It can also be trained to grow as a groundcover or espaliered against a wall.
5. Attractive to Pollinators: The fragrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to a healthy ecosystem and enhancing the pollination of nearby plants.
6. Year-Round Interest: This vine provides visual interest throughout the year, with its fragrant flowers in spring and summer, evergreen foliage in autumn and winter, and a pleasing silhouette against the landscape.
7. Adaptability to Different Styles: Trachelospermum jasminoides can be incorporated into various garden styles, from formal landscapes to cottage gardens and natural woodland settings. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of design preferences.
8. Self-Clinging Vine: This vine has the ability to attach itself to various surfaces, such as walls, fences, trellises, and arbors, using its sturdy twining stems and aerial rootlets. This self-clinging nature allows it to climb and cover structures without requiring external support.
9. Fragrance in the Evening: The fragrance of Trachelospermum jasminoides is particularly noticeable in the evening, adding an enchanting ambiance to outdoor spaces as the sun sets.
10. Low-Maintenance Beauty: This vine combines beauty, fragrance, and ease of care, making it a popular choice for homeowners and garden enthusiasts who want to enhance their outdoor living spaces with minimal effort.

8. Is Trachelospermum toxic?

Trachelospermum jasminoides, also known as confederate jasmine or star jasmine, is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. There is no evidence to suggest that it poses any serious health risks if ingested in small amounts. However, it is important to note that the milky sap produced by the plant can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It is advisable to wear gloves and avoid direct contact with the sap when handling the plant.

9. Is star jasmine the same as Trachelospermum?

Yes, star jasmine is the same as Trachelospermum. Trachelospermum jasminoides is the most common species of Trachelospermum, and it is often referred to as star jasmine or confederate jasmine.

10. What is the best Trachelospermum jasminoides?

There is no definitive answer to the question of which Trachelospermum jasminoides is the best, as different people have different preferences. However, some of the most popular and well-regarded varieties include:

• Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Alba': This variety has pure white flowers that are slightly larger than those of the common Trachelospermum jasminoides. It is a vigorous grower and can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters).
• Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Bronze Star': This variety has dark green foliage with bronze highlights. The flowers are white with a pale yellow center. It is a vigorous grower and can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters).
• Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Tricolour': This variety has variegated foliage with green, white, and yellow markings. The flowers are white with a pale yellow centre. It is a slower grower than the other varieties and can reach heights of up to 10 feet (3 meters).

Ultimately, the best Trachelospermum jasminoides for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as flower colour, foliage colour, growth rate, and desired height when making your decision.

11. What is the English name for Trachelospermum jasminoides?

The most common English names for Trachelospermum jasminoides are star jasmine and confederate jasmine.

• Star jasmine is the more widely used name, as it accurately reflects the shape of the flowers.
• Confederate jasmine is a less common name, and it is thought to have originated in the United States. The name is not without controversy, as it is associated with the Confederate States of America. Some people prefer to avoid using this name, and they instead use the more neutral name star jasmine.

Here are some other, less common English names for Trachelospermum jasminoides:

• Chinese star jessamine
• Chinese jasmine
• Trader's compass

Regardless of which name you use, Trachelospermum jasminoides is a beautiful and fragrant vine that is sure to add a touch of elegance to any garden. It is a popular choice for homeowners and gardeners alike, and it is sure to add fragrance and interest to any outdoor space.