How to Plant a Star Jasmine Vine

Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), also called Confederate jasmine, is in the family Apocynaceae. Star jasmine is not a true jasmine but the plant gets its name for its jasmine-like flowers and fragrance. This hardy, evergreen vine is well suited for gardeners living within U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 10. There are some cultivars hardy to zone 7. Cultivars have green or variegated foliage, with star-like flowers starting their blooming period in late spring. Star jasmine works well grown on trellises, in planters or used as a ground cover. Even novice gardeners will have success growing this plant.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Rake
• Herbicide
• Shovel
• Peat moss
• Compost
• Manure
• Trellis
• Pruning shears

1. Clear a planting site located in full sun to partial shade free of weeds, grasses or other unwanted vegetation. Rake away, pull out by hand or use a herbicide to kill the vegetation. If using a herbicide, wait approximately one to two weeks before planting the star jasmine into the site, so the herbicide has time to wash from the soil.

2. Amend the planting site’s soil with organic material such as peat moss, compost or manure. Star jasmine is not particular about its soil medium but will flower and grow best when planted in rich, well-draining soils. Work the organic substance into the soil to a depth of approximately six to eight inches.

3. Place a trellis into the ground before planting, if using the star jasmine as a vine. Insert the trellis approximately one foot behind the proposed planting hole and approximately one foot into the soil. Star jasmine also works well crawling up a wall or fence.

4. Dig a hole that is approximately two to three times wider than the jasmine’s root ball and as deep as it is presently growing inside its container.

5. Remove the jasmine from its container and inspect the roots. Gently pull apart the root ball, loosening any roots that are entangled. This helps the roots spread normally through the soil.

6. Place the jasmine into the planting hole and fill it with soil. Pack the soil around the base of the plant, firming it up. Plant no deeper than it was originally growing in the container.

7. Water the star jasmine after planting, allowing the water to saturate the roots. Keep the planting site moist during the first three to four weeks while the plant establishes itself. Thereafter, water approximately once per week, depending on your weather conditions. Star jasmine is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

8. Prune the star jasmine to control its shape, size or to make it branch out and become fuller.

Tips & Warnings

• If planting the star jasmine into a container, use a rich, well-draining potting mix and a container that has drainage and is approximately two to three times larger than the plant’s root ball.