The Story
Plant Bio
Trachelospermum jasminoides is an evergreen, woody climber native to eastern and southeastern Asia that climbs by twining stems. The species produces clusters of highly fragrant, star-shaped white flowers from late spring through summer.
'Variegatum' is distinguished by its green leaves with prominent creamy-white margins and blotches, which often take on pinkish or bronze-white tones on new growth. The variegated foliage provides year-round visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Vine
Height
240"
Width
120"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Medium
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested; sap causes skin irritation
Bloom period
Late spring – Summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Provide a sturdy trellis, fence, or wall support for the twining stems to climb.
- Water regularly after planting to maintain even soil moisture until the root system is fully established.
- Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Pro Tip
Prune immediately after the summer flowering ends; cutting back too late removes the wood where next spring's flower buds develop.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Wear gloves when pruning to protect skin from the irritating milky latex sap.
- Provide morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent the white leaf margins from scorching.
- Ensure the soil drains thoroughly to prevent root rot.
Don't
- Do not shear heavily into old, leafless woody stems, as they fail to reshoot easily.
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or soggy.
- Do not prune late in the season, which removes next year's flower buds.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Variegated Star Jasmine questions
What zones can Variegated Star Jasmine grow in?
Variegated Star Jasmine is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Variegated Star Jasmine deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Variegated Star Jasmine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Variegated Star Jasmine bloom?
Variegated Star Jasmine typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Variegated Star Jasmine need full sun?
Variegated Star Jasmine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Variegated Star Jasmine drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Variegated Star Jasmine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Trachelospermum to compare

Star Jasmine
Trachelospermum jasminoides

Snow-N-Summer Asiatic Jasmine
Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Snow-N-Summer'

Summer Sunset Asian Jasmine
Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Summer Sunset'

Asiatic Jasmine
Trachelospermum asiaticum
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Variegated Star Jasmine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.



