Not everything that is called jasmine is botanically a true jasmine. The name jasmine is commonly used for flowering plants that have a scent like jasmine but don’t necessarily belong to the genus Jasminum. Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) with its fragrant pale yellow flowers is one of them.
Unlike jasmine shrubs and vines, Asiatic jasmine is a sprawling ground cover—it does not climb much, unlike its close cousin, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). The dense evergreen foliage that grows close to the ground makes Asiatic jasmine an ideal cover for bare spots around and underneath shrubs and trees, or for cascading down a wall. That it is also fast-growing adds to its appeal as a ground cover. The only caveat is that Asiatic jasmine is an introduced plant, and because it spreads so vigorously and aggressively, it has the potential to become invasive.
While the original species has small, star-shaped flowers in the spring and summer, not all varieties have fragrant flowers but are instead grown for their stunning foliage.
There are also cultivars that dont spread quite as much, which makes them suitable for growing in hanging baskets or planters.
Asian Jasmine, also known as Trachelospermum asiaticum, is a popular vine plant known for its glossy green foliage and fragrant white blooms. With its graceful growth habit, hardiness, and versatility, it’s no wonder Asian Jasmine is a favorite among home gardeners and landscapers alike. But like most plants, in order to truly thrive, Asian Jasmine has some specific needs when it comes to light. Contrary to popular belief, these plants are actually quite flexible when it comes to sunlight exposure. Read on as we shed some light on the light requirements of this beautiful plant.
How Much Light Does Asian Jasmine Really Need?
Many sources state that Asian Jasmine does best in partial shade or dappled sunlight. While this is generally true, recent findings have shown that these plants are far more adaptable than previously thought. According to experts, Asian Jasmine can thrive in conditions ranging from full sun to moderately bright shade.
Rather than needing a specific amount of daily light, Asian Jasmine mainly requires exposure that is consistent and avoids extremes. Too little light will result in leggy, weak growth. But conversely, intense direct sun all day can scorch the leaves. The sweet spot is typically morning sun followed by afternoon shade, or bright indirect light filtered through sheer curtains or trees. But Asian Jasmine can adapt to less or more sun if acclimated gradually.
Signs Your Asian Jasmine Is Getting Too Much Light
- Wilting or crispy, browned leaves
- Leaf scorching around the edges
- Fading of leaf color from green to yellowish
- Leaves appearing dried out or burned
Signs Your Asian Jasmine Needs More Light
- Sparse, weak foliage growth
- Long, leggy stems with few leaves
- Pale green or yellowish leaves
- Lackluster flowering
Optimizing Asian Jasmine Light Exposure
Outdoors
- For full sun: Gradually transition from partial shade to avoid leaf burn
- For afternoon shade: Position near taller plants, structures, or hang sheer curtains
- For dappled light: Grow under lightly shaded trees or lattice
Indoors
- South-facing windows provide bright, indirect sun
- Rotate occasionally for even growth
- Supplement with grow lights as needed in low-light rooms
During Shorter Days
- Provide more direct sun to compensate for fewer daylight hours
- Move to brighter locations indoors and outdoors
- Maximize exposure on sunnier sides of buildings
Achieving Abundant Blooms Through Proper Lighting
While Asian Jasmine is often admired for its lush foliage, getting those petite white blooms to appear requires some special care. To encourage plentiful flowering:
- Site in an area with bright, indirect sun to provide impetus for bud initiation
- Ensure the plant receives 14-16 hours of daylight for floral induction
- Prevent intense afternoon sun from scorching delicate blossoms
- Time plantings for spring so blooms emerge during long days
With the right balance of light, Asian Jasmine will reward you with a long season of fragrant blooms on top of its graceful greenery.
Let Your Asian Jasmine Thrive in Shade or Sun
Armed with the knowledge that Asian Jasmine is adaptable to various light conditions you can now situate these plants to thrive in your specific gardening context. Avoid intense direct sun, especially in hot climates but don’t fear placing them in partial shade or even full sun if they are gradually acclimated. With a versatile beauty like Asian Jasmine, you can confidently declare “let there be light” knowing these plants will flourish.
Fertilizer
Asiatic jasmine isn’t a heavy feeder. Fertilizing it once a year with a complete balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season in the spring is generally sufficient.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2-233c5d24ca6c40a2837e93a33dde2251.jpg)
DigiPub / Getty s
Pruning
Asiatic jasmine is a fast and vigorous grower that needs regular pruning, especially to keep it under control when planted along a sidewalk or patio.
Individual plants can be trimmed with sharp pruners and even sheared, which encourages the plant to develop more branches and grow denser foliage. However, if you are growing Asiatic jasmine for its flowers, delay pruning until after the bloom to avoid removing any flower buds. In the spring, before the bloom, only remove diseased or dead branches.
If you are growing Asiatic jasmine as a ground over or as a turf grass alternative, mow it once a year at maximum mower setting, preferably 3 to 4 inches. Freshly sharpened mower blades are essential, otherwise you end up with unattractive jagged vine ends.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/4-1a6276e19a334ca4a550d8d22e144bd1.jpg)
MasaoTaira / Getty s
Star Jasmine Care & Growing Tips
FAQ
Does Asian Jasmine do well in shade?
Does jasmine do better in pots or ground?
Where is the best place to plant jasmine plants?
How to make Asian Jasmine grow faster?
How much sun does Asiatic jasmine need?
You can grow Asiatic jasmine in just about every type of light condition. It can handle full sun, partial shade, and completely shady areas. Trachelospermum asiaticum is an incredibly versatile plant! Asiatic Jasmine generally prefers bright, indirect sunlight to thrive at its best. It appreciates receiving about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day.
How to care for Asiatic jasmine?
Remember to be patient, observe your plant regularly, and adjust your care accordingly. And most importantly, enjoy the process of caring for your Asiatic Jasmine! You can buy Asiatic Jasmine here. Get more Backyard Gardening Ideas
Can Asiatic jasmine grow in shade?
Asiatic jasmine can be grown in full sun and partial shade. In southern or western exposures with hot midday or afternoon sun, it does best in partial shade. This plant is not finicky about soil conditions and can grow in a wide range of soils as long as there is good drainage.
How to grow Asian Jasmine?
If you have an unsightly border fence or wall, cover it with Asian Jasmine and turn it into a feature in your garden. For those people who do not have a garden, you can plant it into a pot or a hanging basket. It will thrive in a warm spot. Keep an eye on it and trim back stems if it becomes unruly or untidy.