Trachelospermum asiaticum Chili and Vanilla - Asian Jasmine

The Trachelospermum asiaticum Chili & Vanilla® 'Livano' is a beautiful novelty that brings a bit of fantasy to the realm of star jasmines. This variety not only offers cream-yellow flowers that diffuse an extraordinary sweet fragrance that we appreciate throughout the summer, but also unusual fruits that resemble vanilla pods turning red like chillies. This voluble liana, adorned with small evergreen shiny foliage, also has the advantage of remaining attractive all year round. It can be planted near a fence, pergola, or in a container on the terrace.

The Trachelospermum asiaticum Chili & Vanilla is an American horticultural creation from Star Roses & Plants. It comes from the yellow false jasmine, a Japanese and Korean cousin of the Trachelospermum jasminoïdes of Chinese origin. All these plants belong to the apocynaceae family. The Chili and Vanilla star jasmine is a voluble liana that produces long stems that can reach up to 3m (10ft) long. They bear small, single leaves, about 6cm (2in) long and 3cm (1in) wide on average, entire, narrow, and ovate, with a pointed tip. They are a medium green color, with a glossy finish, often turning red during winter or early spring. The reddening leaves fall and are replaced by young, bright green leaves. The long and abundant flowering occurs from May-June to August-September, for almost 4 months, in successive waves, provided the soil remains somewhat moist. Small clusters of star-shaped, helical flowers, 2-5cm (1-2in) wide, appear in the axils of the leaves or at the tips of the branches. Their fragrance, reminiscent of jasmine, is however much sweeter, strongly infused with vanilla. After pollination by insects, elongated fruits form in pairs, somewhat resembling green beans joined at the base. They are green in color and gradually turn orange and then red. These fruits are toxic, like all plants in the apocynaceae family.

A single plant of this Chili & Vanilla false jasmine is capable of perfuming an entire area of the garden, especially in the evening and during warm weather. In most climates, except for the coldest ones, it can be planted in well-drained and humus-rich soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded location. This Trachelospermum asiaticum is most often used as a climber to cover a fence or pergola, but it can also form a magnificent ground cover, resembling a soft and fragrant carpet. It can be grown in pots in colder regions to be able to shelter it in winter. It can easily be stored in an unheated conservatory to enjoy its beautiful winter foliage. Balconies and terraces can also accommodate it by placing the plant in a large container.