Star Jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Variegatum' (v)
ABOUT
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Variegatum', commonly known as variegated star jasmine, is an ornamental plant noted for its attractive foliage and sweetly scented flowers. The plant exhibits leathery, oval-shaped leaves that are a standout feature due to their creamy white and green variegation. The edges of the leaves are irregularly patterned with the white coloration often blending into the green, creating a marbled or mottled appearance. As the plant matures, it produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that emerge from the tips of the stems. These blossoms are typically pure white, exuding an intoxicating fragrance that is especially potent during the evening. The flowers contrast nicely with the variegated leaves, creating a delightful display that draws the attention of onlookers. Variegated star jasmine is a versatile plant, often utilized in gardens for its twining and climbing habit, as it can cling to supports allowing it to scale walls and fences. When not provided with vertical space to grow, it will also function as a ground cover, spreading horizontally to fill in spaces with its dense foliage. Throughout the seasons, the plant maintains its variegated leaf pattern, though the intensity of the variegation may vary with the changing light conditions and other environmental factors. The overall appearance of variegated star jasmine is one of elegance and charm, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add both visual interest and fragrance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apocynaceae.
Synonyms
Variegated Star Jasmine, Variegated Confederate Jasmine, Variegated Trachelospermum.
Common names
Rhynchospermum jasminoides, Rhynchospermum jasminoides var. variegatum.
ToxicityTo humans
The Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Variegatum' commonly known as Variegated Star Jasmine, is not highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested, parts of the plant can cause mild symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, including possible nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To pets
The Variegated Star Jasmine is also not highly toxic to pets. Ingestion could result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
East Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest with its variegated white and green foliage and star-shaped white flowers.
- Fragrance: Produces a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance that can be enjoyed throughout its blooming season.
- Privacy Screening: Acts as a natural screen when grown along fences or trellises, offering privacy to outdoor spaces.
- Versatility: Suitable for growing in various locations, including containers, making it versatile for different garden designs.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Year-Round Interest: Provides visual interest throughout the year, due to its evergreen foliage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: The variegated leaves and delicate flowers of the star jasmine can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, leading to beautiful botanical illustrations and garden photography.
- Scented Sachets: The fragrant flowers can be dried and used in creating scented sachets to freshen up drawers and wardrobes.
- Garden Design: Star jasmine's variegated foliage is used to add visual interest and contrast in garden design, especially in shade gardens where color is valued.
- Landscape Focal Point: The striking foliage pattern can be used as a centerpiece in a landscape, drawing the eye and acting as a focal point due to its unique coloring.
- Privacy Screening: Star jasmine can be grown on trellises or fences to create a natural, living privacy screen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used by educators to teach students about plant variegation, climbing mechanisms, and pollination.
- Sound Barrier: When grown densely on trellises or walls, star jasmine can help dampen traffic noise or neighborhood activity.
- Craft Material: The woody vines of mature plants can be harvested and used in basket weaving or as natural crafting materials.
- Wedding Decor: Fresh or dried, the flowers and vines can be incorporated into wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, or as part of romantic venue decorations.
- Culinary Presentation: Though not for consumption, the aesthetic appeal of the leaves can be used as a garnish for culinary presentation in high-end cuisine.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Star Jasmine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Star Jasmine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a type of jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Variegatum', commonly known as 'Variegated Star Jasmine', often symbolizes love and sensuality due to its intoxicating fragrance which has historically been associated with romance and affection.
- Purity: The white flowers of the Variegated Star Jasmine can represent purity and innocence, a meaning that is often attributed to white blossoms in various cultures and traditions.
- Beauty: Star Jasmine is commonly associated with beauty, owing to its striking appearance and its delicate, star-shaped flowers that create a visually appealing effect.
- Attachment: The climbing nature of the Variegated Star Jasmine allows it to cling to surfaces, which can symbolize attachment and the idea of holding on or supporting one another in different contexts.
- Sweetness: The sweet smell of the Variegated Star Jasmine’s flowers can symbolize the sweetness of life or the pleasure of enjoying simple, delightful experiences.
WaterThe variegated star jasmine needs regular watering, particularly during the warmer seasons. Water thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage holes, usually about 1-2 gallons for an average-sized outdoor plant, depending on the size. This plant prefers consistently moist soil, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In hot summer months, this could mean watering once or twice a week, while in cooler weather, watering frequency should be reduced to every other week or less, always checking soil moisture before adding water.
LightVariegated star jasmine thrives in bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The best spot for this plant is where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, such as under a canopy of trees or near an east-facing window for indoor plants.
TemperatureVariegated star jasmine prefers moderate temperatures and does well in a range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be best if temperatures don't drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from extreme cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
PruningPrune variegated star jasmine to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to remove dead or damaged stems and control the plant's size. Light pruning and deadheading can be performed throughout the year to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilStar Jasmine prefers well-draining soil with a mix of two parts peat moss to one part perlite and one part pine bark. Optimal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingStar Jasmine should be repotted every 2-3 years during spring or early summer when it becomes root-bound or the soil is depleted.
Humidity & MistingStar Jasmine thrives in medium to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-80%, but it is adaptable to less humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Star Jasmine indoors in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Star Jasmine in partial shade and protect from winter frosts.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleTrachelospermum jasminoides 'Variegatum', commonly known as Variegated Star Jasmine, initiates its life cycle through seed germination, although it is more frequently propagated by softwood cuttings. Once established, the young seedling or cutting enters a vegetative state, developing a root system and foliage within the first season. As the plant matures, it exhibits vigorous growth, climbing structures or spreading across the ground as ground cover with its wiry, twining stems and displaying its characteristic variegated leaves. After a few years of growth, depending on environmental conditions, it reaches sexual maturity and begins to produce fragrant, white flowers during the warm months which are followed by dark, berry-like fruits. This perennial plant continues to grow and bloom annually, with a life span that can exceed several decades if provided with proper care; it can be pruned annually to manage growth and shape. At the end of its life, if climatic or soil conditions deteriorate or if it succumbs to disease or pest attacks, it will display a decline in vitality, potentially leading to plant death.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Variegatum', commonly known as variegated star jasmine, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most successful when done during the summer months, as the temperatures are conducive to root development. To propagate, take a semi-hardwood cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long from a healthy plant. The cutting should have several nodes and be taken just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, and maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag can create a greenhouse effect, fostering humidity and warmth which aid in rooting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new variegated star jasmine plants can gradually acclimate to normal conditions before being planted in their permanent location.
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