Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon) Telosma cordata
Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon) (Telosma cordata) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Apocynaceae family, native to Southern China to Indochina and Thailand. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flowers and buds (stir-fried, soups, omelettes) |
| Native to | Southern China to Indochina and Thailand |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Flowers are a market vegetable; no toxicity reported.
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 Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon)
- How far apart should I plant Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft).
- Does Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon) flower?
- From about April for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Flowers are a market vegetable; no toxicity reported.
- What grows well with Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tonkin jasmine (cowslip creeper, dok khachon). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- Thai Plant Names (Tem Smitinand), revised edition, Forest Herbarium, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A twining vine for a fence or trellis; greenish-yellow clusters smell sweetest at dusk. Picked every few days through the rainy season.
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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