Species

vine

Tricolor Star Jasmine

The Story

Plant Bio

Trachelospermum jasminoides is an evergreen twining climber native to eastern and southeastern Asia, producing glossy opposite leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. The species climbs by wrapping its stems around supports or spreads as a dense ground cover when left unsupported.

'Tricolor' is a slow-growing, lower-vigour cultivar distinguished by its highly variegated foliage. The new leaves emerge bright hot-pink before maturing to display creamy-white splashes and margins over a deep green base.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round visual contrast with its multi-coloured pink, white, and green foliage and small white flowers.

Serves as a slow-growing, low-maintenance ground cover or small-scale climber that tolerates coastal salt-air.

Nectar-bearing flowers support native and introduced bees and insects, though flowering is less profuse than the species.

SpeciesTrachelospermum jasminoidesStar Jasmine

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

98 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China and Japan

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; sap causes skin irritation

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with rich, organically enriched, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Position the plant where it receives filtered morning sun to maintain the brightest foliage variegation.
Provide a trellis or support structure if a climbing habit is desired, or allow space for it to spread as a ground cover.
Water regularly during the establishment phase, ensuring the soil drains completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip

Growing this cultivar in containers requires precise control of root-zone moisture; use a highly aerated potting mix to prevent sudden root collapse from waterlogging.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in semi-shaded positions with filtered morning sun to maximise foliage colour.
Ensure the soil or potting mix has excellent drainage to protect the root system.
Prune lightly after the summer flowering flush to maintain a compact shape.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy shade, which reduces variegation and limits flowering.
Do not prune severely into old, leafless woody stems as recovery is slow.
Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil or poorly draining pots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low ground coverSpreading border edgingClimber for small trellisesContainer specimen for courtyards

Companion Plants

Ophiopogon japonicus Gardenia jasminoides Liriope muscari

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tricolor Star Jasmine questions

What zones can Tricolor Star Jasmine grow in?

Tricolor 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.

When does Tricolor Star Jasmine bloom?

Tricolor Star Jasmine typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tricolor Star Jasmine need full sun?

Tricolor Star Jasmine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Tricolor Star Jasmine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tricolor Star Jasmine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.