A graceful, twining evergreen climber smothered in fragrant bright-yellow trumpet flowers in late winter and spring. Elegant and hardy, but every part of the plant is highly poisonous.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 5 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Carolina Jasmine
Gelsemium sempervirens is a moderate-growing climber in the Gelsemiaceae family. It reaches around 5 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Carolina Jasmine
Carolina Jasmine suits warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Carolina Jasmine does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Carolina Jasmine does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Carolina Jasmine after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. For most gardens, maintenance is low maintenance.
Using Carolina Jasmine in the garden
Carolina Jasmine earns its place for its fragrance, a fast screen or informal hedge and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Carolina Jasmine sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. All parts can be toxic if eaten, so keep it away from small children. It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Carolina Jasmine
Plant Sale lists Carolina Jasmine as potted plants and advanced specimens. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
