vine

Variegated Star Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Variegatum'

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:

Ornamental UsesOffers striking variegated foliage year-round and highly fragrant star-shaped white flowers in summer.
Practical UsesFunctions effectively as either a climbing vine for vertical screening or a dense ground cover to suppress weeds.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts bees and other beneficial insect pollinators to the garden with its nectar-rich blooms.
SpeciesTrachelospermum jasminoidesStar Jasmine

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

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In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site with fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Provide a sturdy trellis, fence, or wall support for the twining stems to climb.
  3. Water regularly after planting to maintain even soil moisture until the root system is fully established.
  4. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellis or arbor climberSprawling ground coverContainer specimenScented pathway border

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.

Keep exploring

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.