Star Jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Wilsonii'
ABOUT
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Wilsonii', commonly known as Star Jasmine, is an evergreen vine that boasts a lush, glossy appearance. The leaves are a rich dark green, oval-shaped, and come to a point at the end. They grow in opposite pairs along the stems, providing a dense and verdant backdrop throughout the year. As for the flowers, Star Jasmine is celebrated for its exceptionally fragrant blossoms that appear in generous clusters. These flowers are small, star-shaped, and a beautiful creamy white color which often stands out against the dark foliage. They typically bloom in late spring to early summer, enveloping the area with a sweet, intoxicating scent that is especially strong in the evenings. The stems of Star Jasmine are slender and woody, enabling the plant to climb structures like fences, trellises, or walls with the assistance of support. Whorls of delicate tendrils emerge from the stems, allowing the plant to twine and secure itself as it grows. This clinging nature makes it a popular choice for creating lush green coverings or vertical accents in gardens and outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apocynaceae
Synonyms
Wilson's Star Jasmine, Wilson's Confederate Jasmine, Wilson's Chinese Ivy, Wilson's Trader's Compass
Common names
Rhynchospermum jasminoides, Trachelospermum jasminoides
ToxicityTo humans
Star jasmine, although known for its attractive scent and appearance, is considered to be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The primary concern with consuming parts of this plant is the potential gastrointestinal irritation it can cause, which may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While contact with its sap may sometimes result in skin irritation or an allergic reaction, it is the ingestion of the plant that poses a greater risk for these uncomfortable but typically not life-threatening symptoms.
To pets
Star jasmine is also considered to be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Similar to humans, the primary risk comes from consuming parts of this plant, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Pets that ingest star jasmine may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In pets, too, these symptoms are generally not severe but can cause discomfort and distress. If your pet consumes this plant, it is advised to consult a veterinarian for appropriate care and treatment.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Fragrance: Star jasmine produces highly fragrant flowers that can pleasantly scent an area.
- Evergreen Foliage: It retains its glossy green leaves year-round, providing continuous visual interest.
- Climbing and Ground Cover Abilities: Equipped to climb structures with support and suitable as a ground cover due to its spreading habit.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond the occasional pruning to keep its growth in check.
- Outdoor and Indoor Use: Can be grown outside in suitable climates or as a houseplant in cooler regions.
- Versatile Landscaping Plant: Useful in a variety of landscaping applications, from trellises to fences, or as a container plant.
- Resilience to Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemicals.
- Privacy Screen: When grown on fences or trellises, it can provide a natural privacy screen.
- Winter Interest: Its evergreen nature makes it an attractive option for winter gardens when other plants have died back or gone dormant.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy screening: Star jasmine 'Wilsonii' can be trained on fences or trellises to create a dense, evergreen screen for privacy in gardens and yards.
- Noise reduction: When planted in large numbers or hedges, its thick foliage helps absorb sound, making it a good choice for urban areas or beside roads.
- Erosion control: Its sturdy root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion in landscaped areas.
- Shade provider: Grown over pergolas or arbors, star jasmine 'Wilsonii' can provide cooling shade during hot summer months.
- Seasonal interest: It can add winter interest to gardens in warmer climates where it remains evergreen year-round, offering a lush appearance even in the cold months.
- Ground cover: When allowed to grow along the ground, it forms a thick mat that suppresses weeds and covers unsightly bare spots in the landscape.
- Aromatic ambiance: The fragrant flowers can enhance the sensory experience in outdoor seating areas or pathways where people can enjoy the scent.
- Livestock foraging: In some cases, it can be used as forage for certain types of livestock, such as goats, who may find the leaves palatable.
- Texture addition: Its vines and leaves can add textural variation to a mixed border or garden bed, contrasting with other plants' foliage and forms.
- Culinary uses: Some cultures use the flowers of star jasmine to flavor tea, though this must be done with caution to ensure they are correctly identified and safe to consume.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Wilsonii', more commonly known as Star Jasmine, can be used in Feng Shui to invite positive energy into a space and enhance the Wood element which is associated with growth and vitality. Its fragrant flowers and evergreen nature can help create a sense of calmness and serenity, beneficial for areas like the garden or near the entryway of a home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Star Jasmine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Affection: Often common with jasmine species, Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Wilsonii' or Star Jasmine is associated with love due to its sweet fragrance that's thought to attract and enchant.
- Beauty: Star Jasmine's attractive white flowers symbolize beauty and are often used in gardens for their aesthetic appeal.
- Sensual Pleasures: The intense fragrance of Star Jasmine is closely tied with sensuality and is believed to represent pleasure and intimacy.
- Purity: The color white of the Star Jasmine's blossoms is traditionally associated with purity and innocence.
- Attachment: As an evergreen that can cling and climb, the Star Jasmine symbolizes attachment and connectedness, often used to represent strong relationships.
- Peace and Tranquility: The plant’s calming scent is believed to encourage peace of mind, making it symbolic of tranquility.
WaterStar Jasmine, commonly known as Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Wilsonii', requires consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1-2 gallons, depending on the size and the environmental conditions. During winter, reduce watering to every two weeks unless there is natural rainfall. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightStar Jasmine thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day but can tolerate some shade, especially in the hottest part of the day. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to protect it from the scorching mid-day sun, which can be too intense in hotter climates.
TemperatureStar Jasmine is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F for brief periods, though it prefers a range between 60°F and 80°F. The ideal temperature for fostering growth is above 50°F. If temperatures consistently drop below 10°F, the plant should be protected or brought indoors if potted.
PruningStar Jasmine requires pruning to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or damaged vines. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back as needed to control size, and remove any stems that are out of place or have become too long.
CleaningAs needed
SoilStar Jasmine thrives in well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. A good soil mix for this plant would consist of 1 part garden soil, 1 part peat, and 1 part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH for Star Jasmine is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingStar Jasmine should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it has outgrown its current pot. Check the root system annually; if roots are circling the pot or growing through the drainage holes, it's time to repot into a larger container.
Humidity & MistingStar Jasmine prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Ideal humidity ranges from 40% to 80%. It can thrive in less humid environments if the soil moisture levels are maintained properly.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and maintain even soil moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleTrachelospermum jasminoides 'Wilsonii', commonly known as Star Jasmine, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil conditions in spring or early summer. The seedling grows slowly, developing a root system and a vine structure, and it may take several years to establish fully. As the plant matures, it develops woody stems and can be trained to climb or spread over surfaces. Star Jasmine generally blooms in late spring through early summer, producing fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, brown seed pods that contain seeds for the next generation. With proper care and favorable conditions, Star Jasmine can go through this life cycle for many years, being a perennial plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most common method of propagating Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Wilsonii', commonly known as Star Jasmine, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in the summer when the plant's growth has begun to mature but is not fully hardened. A 4 to 6 inch cutting with several leaves is taken from the plant, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The pot with the cutting should then be placed in a warm area with indirect light until roots have established, which usually takes several weeks. After roots have developed, the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being transplanted to its final location.
