Star Jasmine

Also called Confederate jasmine, this glossy evergreen vine can be used as a groundcover, too. Mainly, it’s an easy-care vine that accepts light shade. It’s ideal for arbors to create a unique space, and it’s our solution on a trellis or fence to screen a view.

Like most vines, it takes a few years to establish, but then it takes off! It grows quite vigorously if protected from harsh afternoon sun and a little extra water in extended drought.

I’ve never fertilized the one in my garden, and it runs rampant in the spring, or after any rainy period.

Its most fragrant, showy time is in about mid-spring, but it will have a few blooms in the early summer.

Once the full summer heat sets in, growth will slow, which you’ll most likely welcome, since star jasmine needs regular pruning to keep it in bounds. Be sure to train it early to get it going the way that you want. Choose a few upright vines to leave long-term, then train side branches to fill in.

Only one plant is needed to fill in a space at least 5 feet wide, and star jasmine will grow as far as the eye can see, if given something to lean on. I planted mine to screen the view of my neighbor’s yard, and to keep them from easily viewing my porch.

(Viewer pictures go to Johnny Whitworth, who made gorgeous hypertufa containers and designed a charming Alamo-styled patio in his gorgeous garden. See all his great designs!)