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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Carolina Jasmine is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Carolina Jasmine with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.