How to Grow Scented Evergreen Star jasmine
Key Facts:
Height: 6-9m, slow growing.
Sun or partial shade in a sheltered position, such as south or south-west facing wall.
Soil: Any, best in slightly acidic soil, free-draining
Special features: excellent scented evergreen, tolerant of partial shade. Easy to grow, hardy in the UK, shelter from cold winds.
I have labelled this a green wheel barrow plant because it is easy to grow and maintenance free.
Trachelospermum Jasminoides, Star Jasmine, is special. It is one of the very few fully hardy, evergreen, scented climbing plants. It has a wonderful scent.
It is slow-growing but can eventually get to a good size, as shown in the image. I took this image at Tolethorpe Hall, a lovely open-air theatre near Stamford, Lincs. The Jasmine has grown extensively across the frontage of the building, which will have taken many years and looks spectacular. I could smell the sweet-scented flowers before I reached the building.
Where to plant Star Jasmine and growing tips
Star Jasmine is H4 hardy, is hardy through most of the UK. Even so, it is best planted in a sheltered spot and in well-drained soil. Like many plants, it is hardy, but it will not tolerate winter wet.
It's slow to get going, which is why it is important to plant in the right place to start with. A sunny spot with partial shade and protected by a wall or warm fence behind to create shelter. Because it doesn't self-cling, you will need to provide a trellis or wires for it to grow on and tie it in. If you examine the image closely, you can just see lateral wires to support the Trachelospermum Jasminoides.
It requires no routine pruning or maintenance. Apart from a tidy up or trim from time to time, this variety of Jasmine requires very little attention. If pruning is needed, prune after flowering, which will be late summer.If required, it can be hard pruned, cut back shoots by up to 2/3.
Considering it is such a trouble free climbing plant, with lovely glossy leaves and scented flowers, I am always surprised it is not grown more widely. Once established, it is reasonably drought-resistant.
Star Jasmine growing is wildlife friendly
Not just a pretty face, Star Jasmine is attractive to wildlife. Its scented flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths throughout its long flowering summer season. Its dense evergreen foliage is home to insects and shelter for birds. The nectar-rich flowers are attractive to bees, especially honeybees.
Yellow leaves on Star Jasmine
Occasionally, the leaves on Star Jasmine can go a little yellow, which is a sign that the plant needs feeding. Apply an all purpose fertiliser at the base, or if you are growing in pots, apply liquid fertiliser such as seaweed or tomato food.
Equally, sometimes during the winter, some leaves can turn red and may drop off. This is not a concern, new leaves should appear in the spring. If not, feed as above.
Facade Greens
Facade Greens is the modern term for plants covering buildings and here Trachelospermum Jasminoides, Star Jasmine, is used to good effect on the front of a townhouse.
Grown in this situation, it will need a regular trim to keep in shape and from encroaching on doors and windows.
Facade greens have environmental benefits of insulating the building; cooler in summer, warmer in winter, with the added benefit of being wildlife-friendly.