The graceful star jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum jasminoidis) enchants above all with its numerous, star-shaped and white flowers, which stand out clearly against the strong green leaves. The delicate flowers of the fast-growing climbing plant, with their vanilla scent, are reminiscent of real jasmine. In the following article you can read what you need to pay attention to when planting and caring for the robust plant.

Unfortunately, the beautiful star jasmine is poisonous

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. origin and growth
  2. Leaves, flowers and flowering time
  3. toxicity
  4. Which location is suitable?
  5. floor
  6. Plant star jasmine correctly
  7. Pour star jasmine
  8. Fertilize star jasmine properly
  9. Cut star jasmine correctly
  10. repot
  11. Grow star jasmine
  12. hibernate
  13. diseases and pests
  14. species and varieties

    15. origin and growth

    The star jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum jasminoides), which we like to use as an ornamental plant, belongs to the genus star jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum), which is widespread in Asia and, botanically speaking, belongs to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Of the approximately 20 species, Trachelospermum jasminoides and Trachelospermum asiaticum are used worldwide as ornamental plants.
    Trachelospermum jasminoides is at home in the forests of Japan and Vietnam, where the plant lives as a climber on trees and forms long, woody lianas.

    Leaves, flowers and flowering time

    Characteristic are the radiant white, five-pointed star flowers, which appear in large numbers between April and August. The oval, glossy green leaves turn reddish in autumn and form a striking contrast to the sea of flowers. Especially in warm, humid weather, the flowering plant also exudes a strong, vanilla-like fragrance reminiscent of real jasmine.

    toxicity

    As a typical dogbane plant, star jasmine is unfortunately poisonous. Families with small children and curious pets in particular should refrain from planting, as the strong scent tempts them to try it - all parts of the plant, however, contain toxins that can cause unpleasant to dangerous symptoms of poisoning. In the event of poisoning, a doctor or veterinarian should therefore be consulted. The woody shoots, which are several meters long, also contain a toxic milky sap that can cause swelling, redness and even eczema if it comes into contact with the skin.

    Which location is suitable?

    The star jasmine is not sufficiently hardy in this country and should therefore not be planted out in the garden. However, the species is ideal for growing in a bucket, for example on the terrace, balcony, in the conservatory or in the apartment - the last two options are even preferable, since the plant can stay in the same place all year round . Otherwise, the climbing plant feels particularly comfortable in a location with these characteristics:

    • slightly sunny to semi-shady
    • no direct midday sun
    • airy but not drafty, sheltered from the wind
    • ideal for west or east-facing balconies
    • perfect for house wall or pergola

    When looking for a location, keep in mind that the star jasmine can very quickly grow several meters long and is always looking for its way up - so a stable climbing aid is essential.

    floor

    So that the star jasmine can thrive well in the tub and bloom profusely, it needs high-quality and nutrient-rich tub plant soil. Be sure to buy a peat-free substrate and use a humus-based one instead. This contains all the nutrients important for flowering. Alternatively, good garden soil can also be used, provided you sterilize it in the oven or in the microwave before planting - otherwise there could be nasty surprises with weeds or pests.

    Mix the chosen substrate with sand or gravel to increase permeability and thus reduce the risk of waterlogging. Clay balls (€22.65) or expanded clay (€19.73) are also suitable for this purpose. When using soil from the garden, you should also mix in mature compost or compost soil to increase the nutrient content.

    Plant star jasmine correctly

    If possible, cultivate the star jasmine in a bucket, as the plant is not hardy in this country. If the plant cannot remain in its location all year round, you should plan the possibility of moving to the winter quarters - this should be bright and cool, but absolutely frost-free. The plant pot is easiest to move with a base frame with wheels, which you can place under the bucket when planting. Overwintering at the location can take place, provided that it has winter protection and does not fall below five degrees Celsius even when the outside temperature is very frosty.

    Pot the star jasmine as follows:

    • Spring is the ideal time to plant
    • Use a plant pot with a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot
    • cover it with potsherds or stones
    • these prevent silting up and thus clogging
    • Pot should be twice as wide and deep as root ball
    • Mix plant substrate with drainage material
    • Fill about a third into the plant pot
    • Carefully hold in star jasmine
    • Fill in empty spaces with substrate
    • Use climbing aid
    • Press the soil lightly
    • water vigorously

    Pour star jasmine

    The star jasmine does not need a lot of water - quite the opposite, because the climbing plant gets by with little moisture even during the flowering period. Therefore, you should water the specimens that are in semi-shade or in the sun very cautiously - too much water leads to diseases and ultimately to death. Waterlogging in particular is harmful. Excess irrigation water must be removed from the cachepot or saucer no later than half an hour after watering.

    Fertilize star jasmine properly

    The star jasmine only shows its long-lasting blossoms when it is sufficiently supplied with the nutrients required for the formation of flowers. You should therefore fertilize every two weeks between April and November with a high-quality pot or flowering plant fertilizer, which you should give together with the irrigation water if possible. A long-term fertilizer - for example in the form of sticks or cones that you put in the substrate in spring - is also suitable for an adequate supply. During the winter months, however, stop fertilizing completely.

    Cut star jasmine correctly

    A pruning of the attractive climbing plant is not absolutely necessary, but it is recommended before putting it into winter quarters. It also makes sense to regularly thin out shoots that have grown too densely so that the plant does not bare from the inside - especially since the flowers cannot develop properly if the growth is too dense. Sufficient air and light is immensely important for the healthy growth of star jasmine. Therefore, apply the scissors according to the following scheme:

    • Cut back in autumn after flowering
    • Thin out in spring and if necessary in summer
    • Thin out densely grown areas
    • remove individual, very long tendrils, especially from the inside
    • remove old inflorescences

    When cutting, it is essential to use sharp scissors that have been disinfected with a suitable agent so as not to unnecessarily squeeze the star jasmine and to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens. You should also wear protective gloves to avoid contact with the poisonous milky juice. This must not get in your eyes!

    repot

    You should repot the star jasmine once a year so that the plant can sprout better in fresh substrate and with more space and start numerous new flowers. Therefore, the ideal time for such a measure is early spring. If the old planter still offers enough space for the roots, you don't have to exchange it for a larger one - it still makes sense to replace the used substrate. When repotting, be sure to remove all of the old soil.

    Grow star jasmine

    You can easily propagate the star jasmine yourself both by seeds and vegetatively by cuttings.

    sowing

    You can obtain germinable seeds of star jasmine either from your own plant or from specialist retailers. Sow them in late summer (from around the beginning of September) in nutrient-poor seed soil and press them in only slightly. Cover the seed jar with a translucent lid or foil to keep humidity levels high (gardeners call it "tight air"). This measure increases the germination rate and allows the young plants to grow faster. The plant pot also belongs in a place that is around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius warm and bright - but not directly sunny. Keep the substrate only slightly moist and use lukewarm water if possible. Finally, in the spring, transfer the young plants to a larger pot with a nutrient-rich substrate.

    cuttings

    For the propagation of cuttings, cut shoots about ten centimeters long from the main shoots in August - and thus after flowering. Put them in a container with growing substrate, which you cover with foil or a cut-off PET bottle. Like the seedlings, the cuttings are kept warm and slightly damp in a bright location over the winter and finally transferred to a larger container with fresh, nutrient-rich substrate in spring. However, only give a little water during the rooting period and let the substrate dry out a little in between.
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    hibernate

    In principle, star jasmine is not hardy and should therefore be brought to a cool and bright winter quarters in autumn in about eight to ten degrees Celsius. Avoid completely drying out the root ball even in winter, which is why you should keep the substrate slightly moist. However, water only enough to slightly moisten the soil. After the ice saints in May, the climbing plant can go outside again. Since the plant tolerates brief frost down to about minus five degrees Celsius, you can also plant it out in regions with mild winters - for example in the wine-growing areas. Then, however, the star jasmine needs a light winter protection.

    diseases and pests

    Unfortunately, the star jasmine is quite susceptible to typical pests such as aphids, spider mites or mealybugs and mealybugs. Mistakes in care - especially watering too often, but also excessive dryness - lead to problems.

    tips

    If you do not have a balcony or terrace, you can also cultivate the enchanting star jasmine in your home if there is enough space. Place the pot with the plant in a bright and airy place, but it must not be right next to a heater - the climbing plant does not like dry heating air in winter. You should also avoid direct sunlight. However, do not culture your room if you have small children or pets (e.g. cats!).

    species and varieties

    The related, but yellow-flowered Asian star jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum asiaticum) looks confusingly similar to the white-flowered species Trachelospermum jasminoides. The species also has very similar needs in terms of care and location.

Category:

Vegetable garden