What Is Gelsemium Sempervirens?

Plant Description

• Gelsemium sempervirens is a twining variety, with wiry, brownish-red stems. The shiny green foliage is lance-like and grows up to 3 inches in length. The vine grows up to 30 feet tall and spreads out to 6 feet. If grown in sunny conditions, the plant is bushy. When grown in shadier conditions, it has a more vine-like growth habit. Fragrant clusters of bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers form in late winter throughout early spring. During cool winters, tinges of purple or yellow cover the leaves. In its most northern growing range, the plant has a semi-evergreen habit. After flowering, 1-inch seed capsules form. Flat, winglike seeds release as the capsules split open. All portions of Gelsemium sempervirens are toxic to humans and livestock.

Native Habitat

• The plant's native habitat stretches from Virginia, southward to Florida and west, including Texas and Arkansas. South Carolina honors the vine as its state flower. Its growth is so abundant in Augusta, Georgia that the plant has earned the nickname "The Pride of Augusta", according to the University of Florida. Gelsemium sempervirens grows naturally in dry woodland areas and hammocks. It also occurs in disturbed sites, climbing up trees and trailing along fences.

Landscape Uses

• Gelsemium sempervirens will fill gardeners' landscape needs in a multitude of ways. The blossoms are a nectar source for butterflies, making the vine a welcome addition to butterfly gardens. The vine attracts deer, making it also useful in wildlife and native landscapes. With its quick growth, it works as a dense ground cover, thriving on steep bank areas. Its year-round green foliage adds color to arbors, trellises, fences or walls. The plant is easy to maintain, making it a colorful potted plant for patios, entrance ways or pool decks.

Preferred Conditions

• Diseases or pests seldom bother Gelsemium sempervirens, and it has low-maintenance needs. Novice gardeners will be successful at growing this hardy vine. For an abundance of blooms, grow the vine in full sun. It tolerates partial shade, but the vine has a leggier habit, and blooms are fewer. For best growth, plant it in a location that drains well. Amend the garden soil with peat or compost as Gelsemium sempervirens performs best in rich soils. The vine is drought-tolerant, but regular irrigation produces abundant growth and flowers. Leaf drop sometimes occurs when conditions are too dry. Adding 4 to 5 inches of mulch around the planting site retains moisture to the root ball. It tolerates frosty conditions, but prolonged freezing temperatures will kill it, according to Floridata.