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Home Page » Home & Garden » Gardening » Carolina jasmine: Gelsemium sempervirens

Carolina jasmine: Gelsemium sempervirens

Other common names: yellow jessamine

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The glossy leaves and fragrant, tubular, yellow flowers of this evergreen climber will scramble over walls, fences, and pergolas or gently cascade from pots or hanging baskets. Blooming from late spring through early summer and occasionally again in the fall, versatile Carolina jasmine releases its unforgettable scent through much of the growing season.

Profile

Plant typevine,Southeast,MidAtlantic,Southwest
Hardiness zones6 to 9
Lightfull-sun-to-part-shade
Height10 ft. to 20 ft.
Habitclimbing
Soil pHslightly-acidic-to-neutral-pH6.5-7
Soil moisturemoist
Bloom timespring,summer
Flower coloryellow
Bloom size1.5 in. to 1.5 in.
Foliage colordark-green
Foliage size4 in. to 4 in.

did you know?

The direction a vine twines is determined by genetics. Carolina jasmine, a native of the southern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala, climbs counterclockwise. Carolina jasmine is poisonous when ingested.

general maintenance:

If plant gets top-heavy, prune severely in spring.

pests/diseases:

Carolina jasmine is relatively carefree.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny to partly sunny site with well-drained soil and amend soil with well-rotted manure or compost. In early spring, set plant out at same depth or slightly higher than it was in pot. Water thoroughly, and spread 2 inches of mulch around plant.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture the first season. Be sure the soil is moist before the ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, apply an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once shrub is established, usually by the third year, water only in times of drought.

garden hint:

Carolina jasmine blooms best in full sun but will grow and bloom in light shade.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Evergreen
  • Fragrant

garden uses:

  • Climbing
  • Ground Cover

other uses:

  • Cut Flower

combine with:

other vigorous vines such as honeysuckle and trumpet creeper

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