Species

Trachelospermum jasminoidesStar Jasmine

2 other cultivars

vine

Star Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Tricolor'

The Story

Plant Bio

Trachelospermum jasminoides is an evergreen, self-twining woody climber native to East and Southeast Asia. It produces highly fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers in loose terminal clusters from spring through summer.

'Tricolor' is a slow-growing cultivar distinguished by its leathery, glossy oval leaves heavily variegated with deep green, creamy white, and irregular pink margins. New growth emerges vividly pink and cream before maturing to mottled green, though this cultivar flowers more sparsely than the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly decorative, tri-colored foliage provides year-round color, complemented by fragrant white flowers in summer.

Functions as an effective, low-growing ground cover for erosion control on slopes or a self-twining climber for vertical screening.

Fragrant flowers attract honeybees, native bees, and butterflies, providing a valuable nectar source.

SpeciesTrachelospermum jasminoidesStar Jasmine

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

36"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East and Southeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans; skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade, ideally where it receives morning sun and afternoon protection to preserve the vivid pink and cream variegation.
Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and highly drained, as the root system is highly intolerant of waterlogged or persistently soggy conditions.
Provide a trellis, wall, or support structure if training vertically, or allow it to spread naturally as a dense, low-growing ground cover.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, after which the plant exhibits moderate drought tolerance.

Pro Tip

Do not shear this cultivar into tight, formal shapes; heavy shearing destroys the natural cascading habit and removes the colorful new growth tips. Additionally, expect a much slower growth rate than the plain green species due to the reduced chlorophyll in the variegated leaves.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in bright, indirect light or morning sun to maintain the intensity of the pink and cream variegation.
Prune lightly after the main spring and summer flowering flush to control size and maintain shape.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer lightly in spring to support new growth.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, heavy clay soils where water pools, which triggers Phytophthora root rot.
Do not cut back heavily into old, leafless woody stems, as the plant fails to shoot back well from old wood.
Do not plant in deep shade, which causes the variegation to fade and the growth to become sparse.

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

Ground coverTrellis climberSprawling low shrubCoastal garden plantingCourtyard container plant

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense Gardenia jasminoides Ophiopogon planiscapus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Star Jasmine questions

What zones can Star Jasmine grow in?

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 Star Jasmine deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Star Jasmine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Star Jasmine bloom?

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

Does Star Jasmine need full sun?

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

Is Star Jasmine drought tolerant?

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