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 plant, scientifically known as Trachelospermum asiaticum, is a popular landscaping choice for gardeners due to its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. This plant is native to Japan, Korea, and China and belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a perennial vine that can grow up to 20 feet in length when provided with proper support.
There are several cultivars or varieties of Asian jasmine plant that differ in their appearance, growth habit, and growing conditions. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular types of Asian jasmine plants
Bronze Beauty
Bronze Beauty Asian jasmine has beautiful reddish-bronze colored foliage that makes it stand out The leaves emerge with a pinkish tint in spring before taking on the bronze hue in summer, It produces small white fragrant flowers in late spring, This variety grows up to 2 feet tall and spreads 3-4 feet wide, It can tolerate light shade but does best in full sun Bronze Beauty is ideal for use as a colorful groundcover,
Goshiki
Goshiki is a variegated variety with leaves that are green marked with splashes of white. It has a mounded habit and grows 1-2 feet tall. The foliage provides visual interest while the light pink flowers add charm. This variety thrives in part shade and makes an excellent low maintenance groundcover.
Long Leaf
As the name suggests, Long Leaf Asian jasmine has elongated narrow leaves that can grow up to 4 inches long It is a spreading variety that forms a nice dense mat when used as a groundcover Long Leaf produces clusters of petite white flowers in late spring. It grows 1-2 feet tall and can spread 3-5 feet wide.
Snow N Summer
Snow N Summer is a hardy variety that shows good heat and cold tolerance. It has variegated leaves with splashes of white on green. The foliage turns reddish-orange in winter before fading to green in spring. Snow N Summer remains evergreen in mild winters and grows 1 foot tall and 2-3 feet wide. The dainty white flowers have a pleasing fragrance.
Snow Rose
Snow Rose Asian jasmine plant has attractive variegated foliage featuring dark green leaves edged in white. The leaves emerge pinkish-red before taking on the variegation. It bears mildly fragrant white flowers in late spring. Snow Rose remains evergreen in USDA zones 8-10 and can spread 3-4 feet wide. It grows well in sun or light shade.
Summer Sunset
Summer Sunset is a fast growing Asian jasmine variety with lush green foliage that takes on red and orange hues in winter. It forms a dense mat and spreads quickly to cover the ground. Summer Sunset grows 6-12 inches tall but can spread 4-6 feet wide. Small white highly fragrant flowers appear in late spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Variegatum
Variegatum is characterized by leaves with creamy white variegation on the margins. The new growth emerges pinkish-red. It has a spreading habit and grows 1 feet tall while spreading 3-4 feet wide. Variegatum bears clusters of petite, fragrant white flowers in late spring. It adds year-round interest and performs well in sun or part shade.
Light
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.
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.
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FAQ
Is Asian jasmine the same as Asiatic jasmine?
How fast does Asian jasmine spread?
Does Asiatic jasmine like sun or shade?
What is the difference between vinca and Asiatic jasmine?
What is Asiatic jasmine?
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).
What does Asiatic jasmine look like?
Plant breeders have developed several varieties of Asiatic jasmine: Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘HOSNS’ ‘Snow-N-Summer’ has leaves that start out pink, then gradually turn white and eventually become variegated white and emerald green as they mature. It has fragrant white flowers in the summer.
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 does Asiatic jasmine grow?
Asiatic jasmine often produces little clumps of roots along the stem at leaf nodes, at points where it comes in contact with something it perceives as a source of nutrients. This can be the ground, a tree trunk, or a fence picket, for example. These new roots can grow spontaneously, or you can encourage them to grow by burying a section of vine.