Jasmine as a Groundcover

Considerations

• When looking for a jasmine species that will make a good groundcover, first consider plants that do well in your area. For a groundcover jasmine, you want a plant that will remain healthy, full and lush. Local nurseries and retail garden centers are good places to inquire about localized plant suitability.

  Also, consider jasmine types. Some jasmine plants are vines, others are sprawling shrubs, and only some make a suitable groundcover. The jasmine's deep-green leaves can be either evergreen or deciduous.

Most Suitable Jasmine for Groundcover

• The most popular groundcover jasmine is the Asiatic. Asiatic jasmine does well in full sun or shaded areas. It keeps its leaves year-round, with dark green, dusty foliage. Asiatic jasmine can be grown free-flowing and natural or trimmed and manicured. In its natural state it makes a sprawling groundcover about 1 foot tall. Asiatic jasmine can be trimmed to meet any landscape uniformity. Asiatic jasmine is slow to establish itself, but once it's set, it is sturdy and long-lasting.

  When planting Asiatic jasmine as groundcover, use 1-gallon plants and place them every 2 feet. This will generate a full bed by the end of the first growing season. Rooted cuttings are an inexpensive option but it can take three years to achieve an established and full-planted area.

Conditions

• All jasmines need a prolific, well-drained soil. Plant experts separate jasmine into the two categories of summer and winter types. Cool-weather jasmine can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while warm-weather jasmine needs temperatures of at least 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer jasmine needs a full sun and a south- or southwest-facing location. Winter jasmine is tolerant of partial shade; a southeast- or northwest-facing location is best. Avoid north- and northeast-facing plots.

Other Jasmine Groundcovers

• Confederate jasmine can be used as a groundcover, but its vigorous growth habits make it difficult to control. Some gardeners use confederate jasmine, also known as star jasmine, as groundcover because of its fragrant and prolific white blooms. Confederate jasmine is a warm-weather variety.

  The yellow Carolina jasmine is an attractive evergreen vine that will remain flush and compact when grown in full sun. This is an easily trained vine that works well when used as a groundcover. Jasmine flowers are usually white, but the Carolina jasmine has yellow, fragrant, 2-inch-long flowers that appear in spring and fall. This jasmine can be used in areas with cooler temperatures.