Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum - Star Jasmine

The Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum is a variegated foliage form of an adorable climber called False Jasmine or Star Jasmine. This vigorous evergreen climbing plant, related to periwinkles, is famous for its penetrating fragrance, both spicy and sweet, from its countless small white flowers. Here it is adorned with brighter foliage, variegated with white cream, ideal for brightening up semi-shaded areas, and with a summer flowering capable of perfuming a whole section of the garden, without being as captivating as the true jasmine. Hardy in the north of our country in a sheltered position, the variegated star jasmine also grows very well in a large container to elegantly dress up the terrace or balcony. Further south, it can be planted in the ground, in full sun or shade, where it will show resistance to summer drought once well established.

The star jasmine is a climbing or creeping plant from the Apocynaceae family, related to periwinkles, as well as to Alamanda and Mandevilla (the Dipladenia, summer glory of our flowering pots). Its origins can be found in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, where it grows on the edge of forests and among bushes. A bit slow to establish, the plant develops long stems that quickly lignify, with its evergreen vegetation being able to cover over 8m (26ft) in all directions in favorable climates. The 'Variegatum' cultivar distinguishes itself with variegated foliage and slightly less growth, allowing it to reach an average of 5m (16ft) in all directions. The branches are adorned with opposite leaves, with an entire lamina and an ovate shape with a pointed tip. They are thick and leathery, varnished, with a light green color variegated with white cream, more or less dark depending on the nature of the soil. Their size varies from 5 to 12 cm (2 to 5in) in length and 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in width. When the plant suffers from cold or intense drought, the leaves take on a beautiful red color, more intense in semi-shade than in the sun, and then they fall off. When conditions become more favorable, new leaves appear to replace them. The voluble branches encountering a moist surface emit aerial roots that allow the plant to cling to walls, the ground, or stones, like ivy.

Another asset of the Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum is its abundant flowering, from May to July depending on the climate, and above all, its divine fragrance. The flowers are grouped in small clusters in the axils of the leaves and at the ends of the branches. The turbinate bud opens into a small corolla with a short tube that widens and divides into 5 narrow petals arranged in a spiral. The diameter of the flowers reaches 2 to 3 cm (1in). The fruit, rarely observed in our latitudes, matures into seeds with an egret. Like many plants in the Apocynaceae family, false jasmine contains alkaloids that are toxic to humans.

Moderately hardy, variegated star jasmine can withstand temperatures of around -10°C (14°F) to -12°C (10.4°F) in our northern regions, when planted in a well-exposed position and in well-drained soil. In milder climates, its cultivation poses no problems. While it is most often used to climb walls or fences, it can also form an excellent ground cover, even in the shade of deciduous trees, as an alternative to ivy. Perfect for filling out a hedge between evergreens or hiding an unpleasant view, the Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum can also form a beautiful permanent "tunnel," a passage between two areas of the garden; it can be trained on a structure made with two arches joined by wires. It can also festoon the edge of a staircase, crown the slope of a hollow path... At its base, Mexican orange trees, shrubby lavateras, and creeping ceanothus will find their place. Its branches will mingle with those of clematis, honeysuckles, or climbing solanums in mild climates.