Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

Trachelospermum jasminoides spacing

Trachelospermum jasminoides can be grown as a ground cover or as standalone plants. For a ground cover, the spacing is generally 1.5 m between the plants so they merge within three years. If you want them to merge faster, reduce the spacing to 1 m between the plants. As standalone plants that don’t merge, the minimum spacing is 3 m apart. If you want to train them up a trellis or on a wire, the recommended spacing between the plants is 1-1.5 m. Each plant is usually trained with stems that run in opposite directions.

Trachelospermum jasminoides propagation

Trachelospermum jasminoides is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken during summer and autumn. A stem about 8 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone for 5-10 seconds and then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root within five weeks as a general rule.

Why Buy Star Jasmine From The Plant Company?

The Plant Company supplies premium-quality Star Jasmine plants ready to thrive in your garden. Our plants are nurtured to ensure they have strong roots, vigorous growth, and are healthy. We offer expert advice, fast nationwide delivery, and secure packaging to guarantee your plant arrives in top condition. Whether covering a fence or creating a fragrant feature, The Plant Company makes it easy to buy Star Jasmine with confidence.

Does Trachelospermum jasminoides make a good ground cover plant?

Trachelospermum jasminoides is an excellent ground cover plant. It features beautiful flowers that are set against glossy, deep green leaves. The masses of star-shaped, white flowers afford a sweet and intoxicating fragrance. It is fast-growing and forms a dense, low carpet of foliage. The thick foliage suppresses any weeds from growing and can help protect delicate soils from rain, thereby reducing erosion. Star Jasmine will spread to 2-3 m wide in just three years and requires little maintenance aside from watering during dry periods, occasional trimming, and a fertiliser application in spring. Moreover, Trachelospermum jasminoides can be grown on various soil types, barring the extremes of wet and dry, and in partial shade. All these characteristics make Star Jasmine a near-perfect ground cover plant for NZ, hence its popularity.

Is Trachelospermum jasminoides poisonous?

While Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine or Confederate Jasmine) is often listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA, it's important to note that the plant contains a milky white sap that can cause skin irritation, burning, itching, and dermatitis in some individuals upon contact. It can also stain clothes black. Therefore, it's advisable to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling or pruning the plant. Ingestion of any plant part may cause stomach upset in humans and pets. The plant contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which, if chewed or eaten, can cause a burning sensation in the mouth. Therefore, while not considered highly toxic, Trachelospermum jasminoides can cause irritation and potential discomfort. It's best to exercise caution when handling the plant and prevent human and animal ingestion. If you suspect that a child or pet has ingested part of the plant and is showing serious symptoms, seeking immediate medical or veterinary advice is crucial. In New Zealand, you can contact the National Poisons Information Centre for advice.

Trachelospermum jasminoides ground cover spacing

Trachelospermum jasminoides, grown as a ground cover, is generally spaced 1.5 m between the plants so they merge within three years. If you want them to merge faster, reduce the spacing to 1 m between the plants. The Plant Company also recommends planting them 1 m apart if they are to grow on a bank with a reasonable slope. Wind is often a problem in such situations, and the key is to get the plants growing into each other so they become more stable and support each other in such circumstances.

Best Garden Uses For Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine is an incredibly adaptable plant with various uses in New Zealand gardens. It’s ideal for training along fences, walls, and trellises where its fragrant flowers and dense foliage provide year-round interest. It also works well as a groundcover to suppress weeds and stabilise banks. It makes a beautiful patio plant with a trailing or climbing habit in containers. Star Jasmine is also perfect for adding privacy, scent, and evergreen structure to outdoor spaces.

Planting and Care Tips

Plant Star Jasmine in well-drained soil with full to partial sun for best flowering. Regular watering during establishment and occasional pruning will encourage healthy growth and maintain shape. Our care guides and support help your climber thrive.