Confederate Jasmine vs. Madison Jasmine

Confederate Facts

• Confederate jasmine has creamy white, star-shaped flowers that begin blooming in midspring. Confederate jasmine grows as a vine from 10 to 20 feet long, as ground cover or, with support, on porches, pergolas and arbors. The vines, having no tendrils, require tying to climb. Thick, glossy evergreen leaves cover the vine as it spreads. The species has light green leaves, but variegated and spotted hybrids also decorate walls and trellises. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. The "Yellow" hybrid (Trachelospermum jasminoides “Yellow”) features yellow flowers.

"Madison" Jasmine

• A newer cultivar of confederate jasmine, “Madison,” expands the growing zone for this vine into USDA zones 7 through 10. Its glossy leaves are slightly thicker than its more tender relatives. The cultivar is an aggressive grower, reaching 20 to 40 feet. University of Georgia Professor of Horticulture Micheal Dirr suggests it might be a separate variety (Trachelospermum jasminoides var. pubescens) due to the fuzzy undersides of its leaves. “Madison’s” light green evergreen leaves serve as a backdrop for the five-rayed white flowers typical of confederate jasmine.

"Madison's" Origin

• Although "Madison" jasmine is a variety of confederate jasmine, it was discovered growing in the wild near a family farmhouse in northern Georgia by nursery owners Jane and John Symmes. The nursery owners propagated the shrub from cuttings and sold it as a hardy star jasmine. The cultivar proved so successful it was named a 2007 Georgia Gold Medal Plant by the University of Georgia.

Growing Star Jasmine

• In USDA zones 8 through 10, you can choose either a confederate jasmine or "Madison" jasmine -- both are attractive and their flowers share the same intense sweetness. In USDA zone 7, choose “Madison” jasmine to be safe, although some other confederate cultivars claim hardiness to USDA zone 7b. Not particular about soil type or acidity, confederate jasmines grow best in well-draining, organic loam. They flower most profusely in full sun, although the vines adapt to part shade as well. Somewhat drought-tolerant, they grow best in humid climates and benefit from watering in hot, dry weather. Prune confederate jasmines after blooming -- hedge shears work well on mature vines or shrubs. The vines are aggressive growers as evidenced by the escaped “Madison” cultivar and should be carefully pruned to keep it in bounds.