Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum climber

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Green and white foliage Trachelospermum variegatum

Credit: David J.Stang

Green and white foliage Trachelospermum variegatum

Credit: Megan hansen

Star jasmine variegated foliage

Credit: David J Stang

Foliage reddened by cold Trachelospermum variegatum

Credit: Markless55

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum, variegated false jasmine

The equivalent of the Internet's Law 34 for plants would probably be: for every plant, you can find a version with variegated foliage. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is no exception to the rule. This member of the Apocynaceae family also exists in a hybrid form, with green and cream leaves: Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum.

How to recognize Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum?

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum is a climbing or creeping plant. Smaller than the star jasmine, it grows to no more than six meters in all directions.

The woody stems are highly branched. They can even produce aerial roots when in contact with moist soil. While young twigs are covered in fine down, older branches are hairless.

Oval leaves with pointed tips are leathery. They measure up to twelve centimetres long and four centimetres wide. The dark-green blades are variegated with cream. In winter, when temperatures drop, they take on a reddish hue.

In summer, tubular white flowers bloom at the tips of twigs or in leaf axils. With their five narrow petals, they resemble stars or helices. The flowers give off a heady fragrance, both sweet and spicy.

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum rarely bears fruit in our latitudes. So you're unlikely to see the long, curved pods containing the winged seeds.

The sap of Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum contains alkaloids, a substance that is irritating to humans. Be sure to wear gloves when pruning or repotting. The plant is also toxic to animals if ingested. Keep it out of the reach of your dog or cat.

Our maintenance tips

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum are easy-care plants. Drought-resistant, they nevertheless need regular watering in pots and during the first few years.

Watering

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum like to keep soil moist, but not soggy. Water when the soil surface is dry (two to three centimetres).

Water the substrate with non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature.

Allow the water to drain through the drainage holes before replacing the plant. Empty out any water stagnating in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.

Repotting

Your Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum is developing deep roots. Choose a pierced pot high enough (around 60 centimetres) to accommodate them.

Prepare a rich, light substrate. You can use commercially available potting soil for Mediterranean plants, or mix garden soil (2/3) with heather soil (1/3).

Pour the potting soil into your planter. If you have provided a support (trellis or stake), install it in your pot.

Then plant your Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum. Fill the pot with potting soil. Make sure you stop a few centimetres short of the rim to avoid water overflowing when watering.

Water generously to encourage rooting, using water at room temperature.

The plant clings naturally to its support. But you'll need to give it a little help at the start. Wrap the branches around your pergola or trellis.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Bury a handful of compost at the foot of your Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum.

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Apply fertilizer for flowering plants or Mediterranean plants.

Prune

Cut back dry, damaged branches using clean, sharp pruning shears.

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum have sap that can cause skin irritation. Remember to wear gloves for protection!

Plantation

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Soak the rootball of your Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum in water at room temperature.

Find a sunny spot sheltered from the wind. Dig a planting hole as wide as it is high. Place gravel and compost at the bottom to optimize drainage.

Plant your Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum and fill in with a mixture of universal potting soil, garden soil and compost. Form a watering basin and water copiously to encourage rooting.

Planning to climb your plant on a pergola or trellis? Wrap the first branches around the support to show them the way.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take a branch about fifteen centimeters long. The stem should be semi-jointed, i.e. Still flexible and not yet woody. Cut below the node closest to the mother stem.

Remove the leaves at the base, keeping only the upper pairs.

Plant your cutting in a mixture of sand and potting soil. Water to moisten the substrate.

The operation is more likely to be successful in a smothered environment. Cover the pot with a bell jar or translucent plastic bag. You can also place it in a clear plastic crate with a lid.

Place your cuttings in semi-shade.

Aerate every day for a minute or two to prevent rotting, and mist the substrate to keep it slightly moist.

Disease / Threat

Aphids

Information

Family	Apocynaceae - Apocynaceae
Type	Trachelospermum - Trachelospermum
Species	Star jasmine - Trachelospermum jasminoides
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Calcareous earth Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Climber Flowery
Tags	Beginner Flowery Toxic
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	8b
Leaf color
Flower color