Star Jasmine – Everything you should know about

STAR JASMINE

About Star Jasmine

With an iconic and fragrant scent, Jasmine is a popular plant the produces a beautiful and popular aroma. Featuring tiny white flowers that bloom in Spring, adding Jasmine to your garden is a great way to provide a healthy and floral-intensive display. Star Jasmine is easy to maintain and feature thin vines that can climb up walls, weave around espalier and trellis or feature nicely as a standalone plant.

Since it is a vine, it will climb up against neighbouring plants and will stick to it as the sap from the vines is released. It is important to ensure that your precious neighbouring plants are protected from Star Jasmine to avoid the plant taking over the display! Otherwise, the plant is easy to maintain and benefits from a bi-annual feed and regular watering. Full sun and healthy soil create the ideal environment for Jasmine to thrive.

Fast Growing

Jasmine is a fast growing variety and should be pruned after flowering and regularly throughout summer. Especially when the climate is humid with regular wet weather and warm temperatures, Jasmine will flourish and grow rapidly. To avoid Jasmine growing out of control, ensure that you prune to the required size. While over pruning will not damage Star Jasmine, it will stunt its growth for the upcoming year. Given its fast growth rate, confederate Jasmine makes for a pleasant backdrop, bush, hedge or potted feature.

Star Jasmine in Winter

As a hardy variety, Jasmine enjoys the winter months. It is during this time when the plant prepares to flower in spring. It is not advisable to prune the plant excessively during winter as this will affect its flowering ability. During the cooler temperatures, you will see the plant’s leaves brown. In excessively cold temperatures, the leaves will fall off. However, the plant is resilient, and the cooler months will not stunt growth when spring arrives. Once the warmer months return, let the plant flower and grow before pruning.

Watering Star Jasmine

It is important to water Star Jasmine plant regularly and to keep the soil moist. While the plant does enjoy a sunny location, dry conditions will affect its growth. In addition to regular watering, ensure that the soil drains the water effectively. Stagnant water will affect the plant’s health and contribute to root rot. Increase watering during hot and dry periods, however, allow the soil to dry between watering unless your soil drains quickly. You can also apply liquid fertiliser during you watering session to maximise growth potential and maintain health.

Pruning a Star Jasmin

It is important to prune your plants. For confederate Jasmine, pruning during the summer months after the plant has flowered is recommended. Star Jasmine does grow fast and to ensure you can maintain the plant, prune regularly to keep it in shape. Avoid pruning the variety during late autumn and winter because this is the time when the plant prepares itself for flowering in spring.

To prune, remember to remove dead leaves and to prune into the desired shape. Avoid over-pruning as this can stunt growth and create open patches that cannot be filled. Its best to start from the bottom and shape around the edges by removing a few nodes at a time. Following the prune, water liberally to help the plant relax from shock.

Animal Friendly

Jasmine may be toxic to animals, including cats. There are many different types of Star Jasmine, so it is important to assess each variety. The jessamine varieties are highly toxic so it is important to train your pets to stay away and to not eat the flowers, stems, leaves or roots. Make sure you check which variety you are purchasing before making a commitment. Handle with care like any other plant.

Is Star jasmine an evergreen

It is an evergreen variety with flower blooms occurring in Spring. Jasmine does prefer moist and well-drained soil and this environment will contribute to its lush and glossy green leaves. This characteristic is ideal for a garden that needs a facelift or a contrasting plant against other trees and natives. You can trail Star Jasmine against a wall, trellis or espalier to create a beautiful backdrop. Or, you can plant a series of plants that offer an evergreen sequence in the garden or outdoor entertaining area. Whatever your choose, confederate Jasmine is an adaptable variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does jasmine need full sun

Yes. Full sun will help the plant to grow and flower well. Provided regular watering takes place and the soil is appropriately drained, full sun will provide the energy it needs to flourish. A partly sunny and shaded area will also work well.

How big does a star jasmine get

Depending on how you have planted Jasmine, whether as a creeper on trellis, against a wall or as an arch, it can grow to up to 6 metres. The glossy green leaves and pure white flowers offer a spectacle not to be missed.

How fast does it grow in a year

Star Jasmine plant grows fast. On average, it will grow 30 – 90 centimetres per year. This rate will be affected by its health, upkeep, climate and environment. If you water, fertiliser and maintain it well, the hardy plant will provide a spectacular growth.

Does star jasmine plant attract bugs

Yes. However, it also attracts birds, bees and butterflies which help keep the nasty bugs and pests away. Do not apply pesticide unnecessarily, because the natural process is sufficient.

Is the sap from jasmine poisonous

It depends on the type of Jasmine. The sap from Jasmine (as opposed to Jessamine) is usually not toxic, nor is the contents of the stems when cut. As a caution, wear gloves when pruning, feeding and watering the plant. Ensure that all clippings are disposed correctly and wash your hands after work.

How do you collect jasmine seeds

During the late summer months, Jasmine plants produce seeds. You can collect the pods that contain the seeds and plant them. Ensure you collect the pods as they start to turn brown. Be careful not to burst the pod!

Is Star jasmine plant a perennial

Yes. It is evergreen and perennial. The plant will flower during Spring. Ensure you prune the plant regularly during summer as it can grow fast in the right climate.

Is Epsom salt good for jasmine plant

Yes. As you apply fertiliser to your Jasmine plant, add Epsom salt to help speed up its growth and maintain its health. Fertilise every couple of months. During the spring and summer months, you can increase the frequency to once every few weeks.

Can jasmine be grown in pots

You can grow Jasmine in pots. It is best to plant the variety in Spring and make sure you use organic potting compost and soil and water regularly. Check that the pot drains effectively.