Star jasmine is a horticultural hero, with its glossy evergreen foliage and wonderfully fragrant summer flowers. It likes a warm, sunny, sheltered spot, and is ideal for blanketing a south-facing wall. It may need winter protection in colder parts of the UK (not London).
Full sun or dappled shade is required, with shelter from cold, drying winds. A south, south-west or west-facing wall would be ideal.
When growing in a south-facing conservatory or glasshouse, shade from direct sunlight may be needed to protect the leaves from sun scorch.
Trachelospermum thrives in very free-draining fertile soils of neutral to alkaline conditions, but will grow in slightly acid soils.
Happily grown in a container in John Innes No 3 potting compost, or in a good quality multipurpose or peat-free compost.
Water plants freely during the growing season (especially container-grown specimens) to ensure that they don’t dry out. Water only sparingly during the winter, allowing the surface of the compost to dry out between watering.
Top dress larger specimen with general purpose fertilizer when planting to give the plant a good start. Do not place feed in the planting hole as this does not encourage the plant to put down roots and seek nutrients.
If growing in a pot feed or refresh the top layer of compost every 6-12 months.
If pruning do so in the Spring before new growth and blooms emerge. Cut out any damaged or weak stems.
The climber can be tied into support but is also self-clinging so will eventually find its way up and around.
A very self-sufficient plant once established.
Late frost can damage early blooms.
Under or over watering when in a container can cause dry leaves or root rot.