Star Jasmine Plants

Identification

• Star jasmine vines grow to around 2.5 feet, with a 20-foot spread. They have slender, green twigs and thick, leathery, oval-shaped leaves with dark-green upper surfaces and lighter lower surfaces. The plant produces small clusters of fragrant blossoms at the beginning of summer. The inch-long flowers are white with four pinwheel-shaped petals. Dry, hard fruit pods replace the flowers. Star jasmines, which are evergreen, do not change colors during the fall or offer any outstanding winter interest, according to Edward F. Gilman from the University of Florida IFAS Extension.

Cultivars and Similar Species

• Trachelospermum asiaticum, or Asian star jasmine, is another vine also called star jasmine. Native to Korea and Japan, it is more cold-hardy than confederate jasmine, with small, yellowish-white blossoms and dense, dark-green leaves. This variety works well as a quickly-growing ground cover. Several Trachelospermum jasminoides cultivars include Variegatum, which has variegated green and white foliage with a reddish tinge; Japonicum, which has green leaves with white veins and coppery fall foliage; and Madison, a cold-hardy cultivar.

Growing Star Jasmine

• Star jasmine grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7B through 10. It has a moderate to fast growing rate and prefers well-drained, moist soil and either full sunlight or partial shade. Indoor plants require at least four hours of sunlight each day, with daytime temperatures between 68 and 72 F, and evening temperatures between 50 and 55 F. Star jasmine plants can tolerate moderate drought, but grow better if they are watered regularly. They require little care other than pruning to keep them in bounds.

Pests and Problems

• Star jasmine plants are relatively free of serious diseases but are susceptible to attacks from scales. Scale insects are small insects without noticeable heads, legs or other evident body parts. They secrete a rounded, shell-like covering that protects their soft bodies. The covering varies in size and color depending upon the species of scale. These insect pests feed on sap from star jasmine plants, causing loss of vigor and dieback. Many species of scale excrete a sticky-sweet substance called honeydew that attracts other insects such as ants and wasps. The honeydew also acts as a growing medium for a thick, black fungus called sooty mold.