Star jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides
Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Apocynaceae family, native to China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Star jasmine at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Invasive in | Australia (environmental weed in places): check local rules before planting |
Is Star jasmine toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: sap
The milky latex can irritate skin and eyes; ingestion is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Star jasmine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Star jasmine
- How far apart should I plant Star jasmine?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Star jasmine need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Star jasmine need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Star jasmine?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Star jasmine flower?
- From about May for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Star jasmine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The milky latex can irritate skin and eyes; ingestion is not well documented.
- What grows well with Star jasmine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Star jasmine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Evergreen twiner; leaves may scorch in hard frost and cold wind. Fragrance peaks in early summer.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa
- Madagascar periwinkle Catharanthus roseus
- Mandevilla Mandevilla sanderi
- Lesser periwinkle Vinca minor
- Jelutong Dyera costulata
- Madagascar palm Pachypodium lamerei