Asiatic jasmine is a vine with small, glossy green leaves and veins of a lighter green color. Its leaves remain green even after hard freezes. It is a rolling groundcover about 1 foot tall, also known as small leaf Confederate jasmine. Its leaves produce a milk-like latex when broken or crushed.
Asiatic jasmine is relatively drought tolerant. Once established, rely on normal rainfall to sustain the plant.
Plant Asiatic jasmine in areas that gets full sun. In very hot climates, the plant requires partial shade. It also grows well in full shade, which makes it a good choice for planting under trees where no grass will grow.
The University of Florida recommends mowing the jasmine once a year as new growth begins (usually in late winter) to encourage uniform growth and air circulation. With the use of a string mower, you can mow the jasmine into any shape and trim the edges straight. Mow Asiatic jasmine on the highest mower setting (3 to 4 inches).
Groundcovers are a good alternative to grass. They are usually drought tolerant, requiring less water in hot climates than grass. Asiatic jasmine has few if any pest problems or diseases, is deer-resistant and, once established, weeds cannot thrive under its cover. The stems of Asiatic jasmine do not climb so it is an ideal cover for beneath shrubs and under trees.