Trachelospermum asiaticum Golden Memories - Asian Jasmine

The Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Golden Memories' is a beautiful yellow foliaged variation of star jasmine or false jasmine. Like the species, it blooms abundantly for several months, diffusing a sweet and powerful fragrance in the surroundings. The limited growth of this slow-growing climber makes it easy to use on a fence or trellis. Its persistent and bright foliage will brighten up a semi-shaded area, especially if used as ground cover, and it can also thrive in the sun. Easy to grow and accepting most soils, the only drawback is its average hardiness (-10°C (14°F) approximately). In regions with harsh winters, it will be possible to grow it in a container and bring it indoors in winter.

The Trachelospermum (formerly Rhyncospermum) is a member of the large family of Apocynaceae, which includes 350 genera and 5000 species. Many genera are used as ornamental plants worldwide, in the tropics (where the famous frangipani grows, for example), in subtropical climates, and to a lesser extent, in temperate zones, especially Mediterranean ones. The 'Golden Memories' Star Jasmine has everything to please, as it grows slowly and has a modest development (maximum height of 3m (10ft) and width of 2m (7ft)), you may never have to prune it. Its yellow evergreen foliage is highly decorative, and since it grows equally well in full sun or semi-shade, it will be valuable for brightening up shaded areas of the garden. This climbing plant is a voluble vine that produces long flexible stems with small, single, entire, narrow, ovate leaves measuring on average 6cm (2in) long and 3cm (1in) wide, with pointed tips. The long and abundant flowering occurs from May to July-August, for almost 4 months, in successive waves, provided that the soil remains somewhat moist. Small clusters of star-shaped flowers, helical in shape, measuring 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) wide and of a tender yellow colour, appear in the axils of the leaves or at the ends of the branches. Their color is quite close to that of the foliage, so they do not stand out distinctly, but their fragrance, reminiscent of jasmine but much sweeter and strongly scented with vanilla, will seduce you.

A single plant of this false jasmine is capable of perfuming an entire area of the garden, especially in the evening and in hot weather. In most climates, except for the coldest ones, it can be planted directly in the ground, preferably in well-drained and humus-rich soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded position. 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, as it can only withstand temperatures around -10°C (14°F), in order to be sheltered in winter. It can be easily stored in an unheated conservatory to enjoy its beautiful winter foliage. Balconies and terraces can also accommodate it by planting it in a large container.

Easy to grow, resistant to drought once established, and generally free from diseases or insect attacks, this star jasmine is perfect as ground cover or to fill a low fence or trellis. If you have a long stretch of fence to cover, you can create a magnificent contrast by combining it with the Ampelopsis glandulosa Elegans, another astonishing climber with vine-like foliage in shades of green, white, and pink. And for a more striking contrast, dare to add the purple of Vitis vinifera Purpurea, an ornamental vine that will also reward you with beautiful clusters of black grapes, both decorative and delicious!