#548 Trachelospermum asiaticum Common Names: yellow star jasmine Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #548 e-mail this page

This photo shows a beautiful use of this vine at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida. A large concrete container, bounded by narrow water runnels, is planted with yellow star jasmine where it is formed into a diamond pattern (the purple flowers are courtesy of the companion plant, scaveola).

The smooth stems are reddish brown and exude a milky liquid when broken. The small leathery leaves are glossy deep green and arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. Leaves are about .5 inches long and from 0.5 to .75 inches in width. The small pinwheel-shaped flowers are light yellow and have a delightful jasmine-like fragrance.

Location
As the species name indicates, Trachelospermum asiaticum is native to Asia, specifically Korea and Japan.

Culture
Prefers rich, well-drained soil but will succeed in most soils except those that are soggy. Has good salt tolerance and can be grown near, but not directly on, the beach.
Light: Tolerates deep shade, but prefers moderately shady situations in hot summer climates. Can be grown in full sun if kept watered or temperatures are not extreme. When grown indoors, yellow star jasmine needs several hours of direct sunlight during winter.
Moisture: Prefers moist, well drained soil but will tolerate less than ideal situations and can handle short periods of drought once established.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 10. Said to be hardier than Confederate jasmine (but probably not by much), this vine doesn't like extended freezes and cold winter winds will desicate and kill.
Propagation: Easy to propagate by layers (stems root where they touch the ground) and cuttings.

The glossy, fine-textured foliage of yellow star jasmine is the plants real asset. It's evergreen and can be sheared into dense groundcovers that are able to consume debris and leaf litter.

Features
Yellow star jasmine is easy to propagate and easy to grow. While the flowers aren't so spectacular their spicy fragrance is a bonus of this useful and durable vine.

Jack Scheper 05/23/99; updated 9/9/06

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