Overview
Trachelospermum jasminoides is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Trachelospermum, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 8-12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Trachelospermum jasminoides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, hedging and screens and wall side borders. It is native to China, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam.
About
Trachelospermum jasminoides is an evergreen climbing wall shrub that can reach 8–12 metres with a 4–8 metre spread. It grows in full sun to partial shade on well‑drained chalk, loam or sandy soils across acid to alkaline pH. In the UK it is classed H4 (average hardy) and flowers from June to September. The habit is climbing, making it suitable for walls, screens and large structures.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Trachelospermum jasminoides
About the genus
Trachelospermum, is a genus of evergreen woody vines in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, first described as a genus in 1851. All species are native to southern and eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Trachelospermum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Trachelospermum
In the garden
Trachelospermum jasminoides is an evergreen climber native to China, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam. It develops into a long-lived wall shrub, ultimately reaching 8–12 metres in height and spreading 4–8 metres; expect most of that size to be reached over a 5–10 year period. Flowering takes place June to September. Give it full sun to partial shade on well‑drained soils such as chalk, loam or sand, and avoid exposed sites — the plant prefers a sheltered aspect and is commonly used on south‑, west‑ or east‑facing walls. It tolerates a wide soil pH range (acid to alkaline) and corresponds to UK hardiness H4 (average); the USDA range is 8–10. These factors determine siting more than exact feeding or irrigation regimes. Practical positions in a British garden include city courtyards, coastal plots, cottage or informal borders, patio containers and hedging or screening where a tall, evergreen climbing form is required. Allow room for an eventual 4–8 metre lateral spread when planting beside walls or screens, and note the 5–10 year timescale to reach full size when planning permanent planting schemes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Trachelospermum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Trachelospermum jasminoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders
- Native to
- China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam
- Fragrance
- Strong, sweet jasmine-like fragrance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Trachelospermum jasminoides
- Cultivation
- Requires support for climbing, regular watering during dry periods, benefits from mulching and occasional feeding with balanced fertilizer
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged stems
- Propagation
- Layering, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Cushion scale, Mealybugs, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Trachelospermum jasminoides?
Requires support for climbing, regular watering during dry periods, benefits from mulching and occasional feeding with balanced fertilizer.
Where is the best place to plant Trachelospermum jasminoides?
Trachelospermum jasminoides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Trachelospermum jasminoides need?
Trachelospermum jasminoides is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Trachelospermum jasminoides?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged stems.
How big does Trachelospermum jasminoides grow?
Trachelospermum jasminoides reaches a height of 8-12 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Trachelospermum jasminoides hardy in the UK?
Trachelospermum jasminoides has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Trachelospermum jasminoides?
Layering, Semi-ripe cuttings.