Asian Jasmine Trachelospermum asiaticum
ABOUT
The common name for Trachelospermum asiaticum is the Asiatic Jasmine. It is an evergreen, woody vine known for its glossy, dark green leaves which provide a rich background for its small, fragrant flowers. The leaves are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip, arranged opposite each other along the slender, trailing stems. During the warm seasons, it produces clusters of delicate, star-shaped flowers that are usually creamy white or pale yellow in color, offering a sweet scent that is particularly strong at night. Over time, the Asiatic Jasmine can form a dense ground cover as its stems spread along the ground and root at nodes. In some cases, it can also climb up structures or trees when given support, showcasing its versatility as both a ground cover and a climbing vine.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Asian Jasmine, Asiatic Jasmine, Japanese Star Jasmine, Dwarf Confederate Jasmine.
Common names
Rhynchospermum asiaticum, Trachelospermum jasminoides var. asiaticum, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Rhynchospermum jasminoide.
ToxicityTo humans
Asian jasmine is not regarded as a highly toxic plant to humans, but it can cause mild discomfort if ingested. Symptoms of ingestion can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While skin contact with the sap may sometimes result in dermatitis or an allergic reaction, such cases are relatively rare. It is advised to keep all parts of the plant away from children who might accidentally ingest them and to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Asian jasmine is known to be mildly poisonous to pets if ingested. The primary symptoms your pet might experience after consuming any part of the plant include vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, an abnormal heart rate. While not typically life-threatening, it's important to prevent pets from chewing on the plant and to seek veterinary care if your pet displays any signs of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Asian Jasmine offers dense, dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers, enhancing the aesthetic of gardens and landscaping projects.
- Ground Cover: Its fast-growing nature makes it ideal for covering large areas, preventing soil erosion and suppressing weeds.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.
- Versatility: It can be trained to climb trellises or walls, used as a ground cover, or potted in hanging baskets for various decorative uses.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract beneficial insects like butterflies, adding biodiversity to the garden.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Trachelospermum asiaticum may possess anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: It might have antimicrobial effects that can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain antioxidants that can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
- Wound healing: There is potential use of the plant in facilitating the healing process of wounds.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Trachelospermum asiaticum, commonly known as Asian jasmine, can serve as a natural insect repellent in gardens due to its strong fragrance, which some pests find off-putting.
- Its dense growth habit makes it excellent for use as a privacy screen or living fence when planted in rows or as a mass planting.
- Asian jasmine can be used as a groundcover for erosion control on slopes or in areas where grass is difficult to maintain.
- The plant is sometimes used in topiary art for creating defined shapes and structures in formal gardens due to its vigorous and trainable vine nature.
- Asian jasmine can be used in perfumery as a source of aromatic compounds for fragrances or scented products like candles and oils.
- It is suitable for bonsai cultivation, offering a unique challenge to enthusiasts with its vine-like growth pattern.
- Asian jasmine is often used in theme parks and resorts for themed landscapes due to its versatility and evergreen foliage that can simulate tropical environments.
- It can be cultivated to create living curtains on balconies or patios, providing a naturally aesthetic and functional shade.
- Asian jasmine's tough, leathery leaves can also be used in floral arrangements or wreaths to add greenery and texture.
- Due to its climbing nature, Asian jasmine can be trained over arbors or trellises to create natural archways or garden features.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Asian Jasmine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Asian Jasmine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance and Determination: Trachelospermum asiaticum, commonly known as Asian jasmine or Asiatic jasmine, is known for its vigorous growth and ability to spread and thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the qualities of perseverance and determination.
- Everlasting Love: The plant’s evergreen nature and how it clings to structures could symbolize everlasting love, sticking through all seasons and conditions.
- Purity and Peace: Often associated with its delicate white flowers, the Asiatic jasmine represents purity and peace, reminiscent of a tranquil garden or a peaceful retreat.
- Unity and Attachment: The intertwining growth pattern of Asian jasmine can symbolize the unity and close bonds between individuals, suggesting a deep connection as the plant binds itself to other plants or structures.
WaterThe Asian Jasmine should be watered deeply but infrequently to ensure the soil is moist without waterlogging. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering approximately once a week with around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for an established plant is typically sufficient. Adjust the watering frequency based on weather conditions—more frequent watering in hot, dry weather, and less during cooler, wet periods. In fall and winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks or as needed if the plant is indoors, aligning with the lower growth rate and evaporation rate.
LightThe Asian Jasmine thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It is ideally situated in a spot that receives bright, indirect light for several hours a day. Direct afternoon sun should be avoided as it can be too intense and may scorch the leaves, so a location with morning sun and afternoon shade is optimal for this plant.
TemperatureAsian Jasmine prefers moderate temperatures and will thrive in conditions that stay between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost or prolonged exposure to cold can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Asian Jasmine to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually, or as needed to control size, using clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAsian Jasmine prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant includes two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost or a balanced potting soil. This mix ensures proper drainage and nutrient retention.
RepottingAsian Jasmine should be repotted every two to three years, or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring, just before the growing season begins, allowing the plant to adjust to the new pot and soil.
Humidity & MistingAsian Jasmine thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% to 60%. However, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity environments, which makes it suitable for most indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Asian Jasmine in bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Plant Asian Jasmine in partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleTrachelospermum asiaticum, commonly known as Asian jasmine, begins its life when seeds germinate in warm soil, typically in spring or summer. The seedlings quickly develop a root system and begin to produce glossy, dark green leaves. As a perennial evergreen vine, it enters a phase of vegetative growth, where it will produce long, trailing stems that can climb or spread across the ground. After a few years, Asian jasmine matures and begins to flower in the summer, producing small, fragrant, yellow to ivory blossoms. Following pollination, the flowers give way to small, inconspicuous pods containing seeds, thus completing its reproductive cycle. The plant can also spread vegetatively through rhizomes or cuttings, and it continues to grow and cover ground throughout the growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Fall
The most popular method of propagating Asian Jasmine, which is the common name for Trachelospermum asiaticum, is through semi-hardwood stem cuttings. This propagation technique is typically performed in the summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. To execute this method, a gardener would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long from a healthy parent plant, making sure it contains several leaf nodes. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have formed and new growth is apparent, which usually takes a few weeks to a few months. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged throughout the rooting process.
