Learn How To Grow Star Jasmine Vine

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Trachelospermum jasminoides (tray-key-low-SPER-mum, jaz-min-OY-deez) is considered a liana plant. 

This is the term applied to plants which scramble vertically up other plants or intentional supports to attain more sunlight. 

blooming star jasmine vinePin

This woody, evergreen perennial hails from Southeast Asia, Japan, and China, this vine is a member of the Dogbane or Apocynaceae family. 

The plant’s genus name, Trachelospermum, is a combination of the Greek words, trachelos, which means “neck” and sperma, which means “seed.” 

The specific epithet, jasminoides, means “resembling jasmine.” 



You may also hear this plant referred to as: 

  • Confederate Jasmine 
  • Trader’s Compass
  • Chinese Jasmine
  • Star Jasmine
  • Chinese Ivy

Star Jasmine Vine Care

Size & Growth

In its native habitat, Star Jasmine can reach a climbing height of about 20′ feet and will spread as a 2′ foot high ground cover to a width of 4′ or 5′ feet. 

When transplanted away from its native settings, it may only grow to be between 3′ and 6′ feet in height and width. 

Trader’s Compass’ leaves may be oval or lance-shaped. 

They are 3″ or 4″ inches long, deep green, and very shiny. 

They grow in opposing fashion on wiry brown stems, which exude a milky sap when they are cut or broken. 

Flowering & Fragrance

Confederate Jasmine blooms late in the springtime (May through June). 

The pinwheel-shaped, extremely fragrant blooms are about an inch wide — the flowers transition into a barely visible, inedible brown fruit.

Light & Temperature

Chinese Jasmine can do quite well in partial shade to full sun. 

For the best display of blooms, plant in full sun. 

This plant is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10. 

It can keep in cooler zones as a container plant and brought in as a houseplant during the winter months. 

It may also be planted as an annual in cooler climates. 

Watering & Feeding

Star Jasmine is a drought-tolerant plant, but it does best in well-draining, medium wet, loamy soil. 

A month-to-six weeks after you have planted your Chinese Jasmine, give it a feeding of approximately one-tablespoonful of 12-4-6 standard landscape fertilizer. 

Sprinkle this lightly over the surface of the soil surrounding the plant. 

Be careful not to let the fertilizer touch the plant’s stem as this may cause burning. 

Immediately water the fertilizer thoroughly. 

Once the plant is established, fertilize it twice a year, once early in the springtime and again in mid-summer. 

Soil & Transplanting

Once established, Chinese Ivy does well in just about any soil, but a pH level of about 6.6 is preferred. 

Be sure the soil surrounding new transplants is light, airy, and well-draining. 

Work plenty of compost into the top 12″ inches of soil surrounding the plant. 

When the roots are well established, they will spread robustly. 

Do your transplanting after all danger of frost has passed. 

Follow these instructions for successful planting: 

  • The planting hole should be twice as wide and 1.5 times as high as the container holding the plant. 
  • The top of the root ball should be level with the surface of the ground. 
  • The soil used to fill the planting hole should be half native soil and half organic compost.
  • Place the plant in the planting hole, backfill with amended soil.
  • Dig a water basin around the plant and water thoroughly. 

If you are using Star Jasmine as a groundcover, place the plants 5′ feet apart. 

Grooming & Maintenance

Confederate Jasmine is relatively maintenance-free. 

You will only need to prune it to remove damaged, diseased, or dead sections. 

You may also wish to prune it to give it shape or control its growth. 

Be advised you may need to cut it back to prevent it from damaging trees. 

If left uncontrolled, it can cover and smother a tree fairly quickly. 

How To Propagate Trachelospermum Jasminoides

Trader’s Compass is propagated by cuttings all year round. 

  • Cuttings should be approximately 6″ inches long and should be cut from the parent plant just below an existing leaf. 
  • Leaves should be stripped from the lower couple of inches of the cutting. 
  • Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone powder.
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  • Prepare small, individual planters of damp sand. 
  • Poke a hole in the sand with a pencil, and place one cutting in each planter. 
  • Cover each cutting with plastic to hold in humidity. 
  • Place the planter in a warm area, 75° degrees Fahrenheit (24° C), with bright, indirect sunlight. 
  • You should see new growth in three or four weeks. 
  • When this happens, transfer the cutting to a larger pot with good potting soil. 
  • Don’t place it in the garden until it has developed a good root system. 

If you do not have a source for cuttings, plant Chinese Jasmine from seed. 

  • Be sure to soak the seeds overnight and then plant them in small pots or six-pack cells filled with a good quality of potting soil. 
  • Soak the soil thoroughly and then allow it to drain. 
  • Place the containers in a warm area in direct sunlight. 
  • Cover with plastic to conserve moisture. 
  • When the seedlings have emerged and grown two true leaves, transplant them into one-gallon pots. 
  • Keep them indoors for four weeks and then gradually introduce them to a garden setting. 

Trachelospermum Jasminoides Pests or Diseases

Star Jasmine is typically pest and disease-free, but compromised plants may have problems with scale insects and the subsequent honeydew and sooty mold

  • Weakened plants may also be susceptible to predation by Japanese beetles
  • To avoid these problems, take care not to overwater. 
  • Thin your plants if they become overcrowded. 

Is The Star Flower Plant Toxic Or Poisonous?

Chinese Ivy is a non-toxic plant, but it is also an extremely fragrant plant. 

The scent of its blossoms is overwhelming to people who are sensitive to strong fragrances.

Those who are allergic to perfumes and very fragrant flowers may wish to stay away from this plant. 

Is The Star Plant Jasmine Invasive?

Confederate Jasmine is not officially considered invasive; however, in USDA hardiness zones 8-10, where it is winter hardy, you should keep an eye on it. 

It has a robust, rambling growth habit, and it wouldn’t take much for it to escape the confines of your garden, adapt, and become invasive. 

Suggested Star Jasmine Vine Uses 

Chinese Jasmine does well climbing a vertical trellis or trained to climb around a doorway or up a fence post. 

It is also well suited as a fragrant ground cover

It makes a nice addition to pollinator gardens and is especially attractive to bees. 

In areas where the plant is not winter hardy, it makes a nice container plant for porch or patio in the spring and summer. 

Move it indoors and keep it as an attractive houseplant in the winter.

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