How to Plant a Star Jasmine

Star jasmine, also know as Confederate jasmine, is an evergreen flowering vine that can reach a height of 40 feet. It will cling to walls and hard surfaces. Plant it where its wonderful fragrance can be appreciated. After it is established, star jasmine is drought tolerant.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovel
• Organic matter
• Pruning shears
• Garden hose

1. Choose a site that is well drained. Star jasmine prefers fertile soil and in hotter climates, protection from the afternoon sun. It thrives on humidity.

2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the container. Mix some organic material (peat moss, leaf mold, manure or compost) into the soil that has been removed. The ration should be 1/3 organic matter to 2/3 soil.

3. Remove the plant from its container. If the roots are a dense mass, score the root ball deeply in three places with the pruning shears. Prune any visible damaged roots. Place the shrub in the planting hole.

4. Fill in around the roots with the mix. When you have filled in the hole half way, fill the planting hole with water. As it drains it will settle the planting mix around the roots. Continue filling in the hole and water again.

5. Prune back some of the top growth to promote good root growth and a bushier plant.

6. Check the moisture level of the soil for the next few weeks and water as needed. The soil should be moist but not wet.

Tips & Warnings

• Star jasmine does well planted in containers. Move it to a protected location for the winter. Star jasmine is not a true jasmine and belongs to the genus trachelospermum.
• The weight of established vines growing up trees have been known to cause the tree to fall in high winds.

References

• Trachelospermum jasminoides, Star Jasmine, Confederate Jasmine