Trachelospermum asiaticum - Asian Jasmine

The Trachelospermum asiaticum, or Chinese jasmine, is a rare climbing plant used to adorn and perfume a pergola or as a ground cover dressed in its evergreen foliage that turns purple in winter. Its voluble stems wind around their support and bear small narrow leaves. In summer, creamy white star-shaped flowers with a sweet jasmine scent appear.

In mild climates, it can be planted in the ground, preferably in well-drained and humus-bearing soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded position. With slow growth, the Trachelospermum asiaticum is most often used as a ground cover, but its voluble stems also allow it to cling to various supports; it can be grown in a pot in colder regions to be able to shelter it in winter. It can thus be easily stored in an unheated veranda to enjoy its beautiful winter foliage.