Also known as Jessamine · 32 saves
Gelsemium
Gelsemium, the genus most gardeners know as jessamine. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Gelsemium varieties
Species of Gelsemium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Gelsemium in Sow
Save the Gelsemium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Gelsemium
Whats common across all Gelsemium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Gelsemium year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Prune immediately after flowering to control vigor and shape.
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer before spring growth.
- PropagateJuly and August100% of varieties
Propagate using semi-hardwood cuttings or layering.
- PlantApril and October67% of varieties
Plant container specimens in spring or early fall.
- Spring CleanupMarch67% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged or tangled vines before new growth begins.
- MulchApril67% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches ✂️
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize late in the season
- Keep away from pets due to toxicity
- Don't prune in late fall to avoid winter injury
What goes wrong with Gelsemium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil organic solution |
| Spider mites | Fine yellow stippling on leaves accompanied by delicate webbing during hot, dry conditions. | Mist foliage to raise ambient moisture and treat affected areas with horticultural oil. |
| Root rot | Yellowing leaves and wilting | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Gelsemium
Cuttings
- Take 6-inch cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist potting mix.
- Keep soil moist and place in indirect sunlight.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Seeds
- Sow seeds in well-draining soil in early spring
- Lightly cover seeds with soil
- Keep soil moist and warm (~70°F)
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks
Gelsemium questions
How many types of Gelsemium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Gelsemium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 32 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Gelsemium grow in?
Across its varieties, Gelsemium covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Gelsemium bloom?
Most Gelsemium varieties bloom in late winter to early spring, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Gelsemium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.