Trachelospermum asiaticum Goshiki Chirimen - Asian Jasmine

The Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Goshiki Chirimen' is a very pretty Japanese variety of star jasmine, rare in cultivation, with a small habit, characterised by small leaves finely variegated in green and grey throughout the year. In theory a climber, this small selection will work wonders as a groundcover. The second advantage of this false jasmine is its summer flowering, with small pale yellow stars, whose fragrance surpasses that of jasmine in subtlety. It is best planted in partial shade to protect its foliage from sunburn, in a container on the terrace to shelter it from extreme cold, or in the ground in milder climates.

The Trachelospermum asiaticum, also known as the yellow false jasmine, is a Japanese and Korean cousin of the Trachelospermum jasminoides, which is Chinese. The 'Goshiki Chirimen' selection distinguishes itself with its small habit and small leaves variegated in shades of grey, green-grey, and cream. All of these plants belong to the apocynaceae family. This small voluble vine produces stems that do not exceed 1.25 m (4ft) in length. They bear small, shiny, single leaves that are about 3 cm (1in) long and 1.5 cm (1in) wide, entire, narrow, and ovate, with pointed tips. The flowering takes place from May-June to August-September, in successive waves depending on the moisture of the soil. Small bouquets of primrose yellow star-shaped flowers, helical, 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide, appear in the axils of the leaves or at the ends of the branches. Their fragrance is sweet, strongly infused with vanilla and biscuit. Under the effect of cold, the leaves can turn shades of purple, pink, and copper, some even becoming almost white and speckled with green.

The 'Goshiki Chirimen' Trachelospermum is a truly elegant plant that dresses up shaded areas throughout the year. In most climates, except for the coldest ones, it can be planted in well-drained and humus-rich soil, preferably in a gently sunny or semi-shaded position. It forms a magnificent groundcover, but can also be planted en masse near a low fence that it will transform. In a Japanese-inspired setting, it can be associated with Mukdenia rossii 'Crimson Fans', a small original and graphic groundcover perennial, or with the 'Ogon-Nishiki' jasmine with its beautiful multicoloured foliage. This 'Goshiki Chirimen' cultivar can be grown in a pot in colder regions to provide winter protection. It can easily be stored in an unheated veranda to enjoy its beautiful winter foliage. Balconies and terraces can also accommodate its astonishing foliage and delightful flowering by planting it in a large container, at the base of potted shrubs, for example.