Trachelospermum asiaticum

Trachelospermum asiaticum

The star jasmine (Trachelspermum jasminoides is better know than this species, which has fragrant, yellow-centred, white flowers that age to yellow, appearing in summer, amidst dark green, glossy leaves. It is known colloquially as Asiatic jasmine. I have not found this evergreen climber to be as vigorous as the star jasmine, nor as free-flowering. Like the star jasmine it can grow in sun or part to full shade. It climbs by twining around its support, and sometimes develops aerial roots that help anchor it. It can be grown as a groundcover if pegged to the ground. It hails from Korea and Japan and is reasonably frost hardy. Prune after flowering. Propagation is by cuttings in summer or layering in autumn. There are no pests that seem to bother it.