Star Jasmine in Pots | Planting and Care Guide

The beautiful Star Jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum Jasminoidis) enchants above all with its numerous star-shaped white flowers, which stand out clearly against its strong green leaves.

The delicate flowers of this 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 this stunning plant.

What is Star Jasmine?

The Star Jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum Jasminoides), which we like to use as an ornamental plant, belongs to the genus Trachelospermum which is widespread in Asia and, botanically speaking, belongs to the 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.

Note: Despite its common name, the species is not a “true jasmine” and not of the genus Jasminum – Wikipedia.

What Does Star Jasmine Look Like?

The Star Jasmine is an evergreen climber with radiant white, five-pointed star flowers, which appear in large numbers between April and August and in warm, humid weather, the flowering plant also exudes a strong, vanilla-like fragrance similar to that of real jasmine.

It has oval, glossy green leaves that turn reddish in autumn and form a striking contrast to the sea of flowers.

Is Star Jasmine Poisonous?

No, Star Jasmine is not poisonous. It is in fact a beautiful and fragrant flowering vine that is popular in many gardens. However, the sap from the plant can cause skin irritation, therefore, it is important to handle the plant with care and wash your hands after coming into contact with it or, better still, wear gloves to avoid touching it altogether – especially if you are susceptible to reactions.

Also, as with any plant, it is best to keep an eye on small children and pets who may be tempted to nibble on its leaves or flowers as it may cause a mild stomach ache.

Where to Plant Star Jasmine?

Star Jasmine is ideal for growing in a pot or container, for example on the terrace, balcony, in the conservatory or inside your home – the last two options are perfect since the plant can stay in the same place all year round.

Star Jasmine is hardy down to around -5°c so if the temperatures in your area get down to that temperature in the winter, it should not be planted in the ground out in the garden. Otherwise, the climbing plant feels particularly comfortable in a location with these characteristics:

• Partial shade
• No direct midday sun
• 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.

How to Plant Star Jasmine

If possible, grow your Star Jasmine in a pot, as the plant does not tolerate temperatures below -5°c. If the plant cannot remain in its location all year round, you should plan the possibility of wrapping or moving indoors – this should be bright and cool, but absolutely frost-free.

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
• The pot should be twice as wide and deep as the root ball
• Mix compost with substrate and drainage material
• Fill about a third into the plant pot
• Carefully hold in Star Jasmine
• Fill in empty spaces with soil
• Press the soil lightly
• Water vigorously
• Prepare trellis or other climbing aid

Star Jasmine in Pots

So that the Star Jasmine can thrive well in its pot and bloom vigorously, it needs high-quality and nutrient-rich soil. Be sure to buy peat-free compost as it contains all the nutrients important for flowering. Alternatively, good quality garden soil can also be used, provided that it is screened and fertilised appropriately.

Mix the chosen substrate with sand or gravel to increase permeability and thus reduce the risk of waterlogging. Clay balls (amazon link – opens in a new tab) are for this purpose.

Some people report that they re-pot their Star Jasmine annually so that the plant can sprout better in new soil and with more space and start numerous new flowers.

We do not feel that it is necessary to repot every year, if the old planter still offers enough space for the roots, you don’t have to exchange it for a larger one and the plant can be fertilised in place and then re-potted when the plant has grown too large.

How to Water Star Jasmine

The Star Jasmine does not need a lot of water, the climbing plant gets by with little moisture even during the flowering period. Therefore, you should water your plants very carefully – too much water can lead to disease and ultimately to death.

Star Jasmine does not like to have their ‘feet wet’ meaning that waterlogging, in particular, is harmful.

Note: Excess water must be removed from the cachepot or saucer no later than half an hour after watering.

How to Fertilise Star Jasmine

The Star Jasmine only shows its long-lasting blooms when it is sufficiently supplied with the nutrients required for the formation of flowers.

This means fertilising. You should fertilise your Star Jasmine in the Spring with a high-quality pot or slow-release flowering plant fertiliser. It is also recommended to fertilise again in midsummer and if the plant is to remain outside, mulch it with organic garden material.

How to Prune Star Jasmine

Pruning of the attractive climbing plant is not absolutely necessary, but it is recommended before wrapping or moving for winter.

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 are 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 spent flowers as soon as they fade to prevent the plant from expending too much energy going to seed

When pruning, it is essential to use a sharp tool that has been disinfected with a suitable agent to reduce the risk of transmission of disease.

How to Propagate Star Jasmine

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

Propagate Star Jasmine from Seeds

You can obtain viable seeds of Star Jasmine either from your own plant or from local garden centres.

Sow them in late summer (from around the beginning of September) in potting soil and press them in only slightly. Cover the seed jar with a translucent lid or foil to keep humidity levels high (we call this “tight air”).

This measure increases the germination rate and allows the young plants to grow faster. The plant pot also belongs in a warm and bright – but not directly sunny – place with a temperature of around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

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.

Propagate Star Jasmine from Cuttings

For the propagation of cuttings, cut shoots about ten centimetres long from the main shoots in late summer – and thus after flowering.

Dip the cut end in the rooting compound and then put them in a container with potting soil which you cover with foil or a cut-off water 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 compost in spring.

Note: Only give a little water during the rooting period and let the substrate dry out a little in between.

What to do with Star Jasmine in the Winter?

Since the plant tolerates short-term low frost down to about minus five degrees Celsius, it can be planted out in regions with mild winters although it may still need light winter protection.

If you experience regular heavy frost or extreme cold and your Star Jasmine is in a pot, it should be brought indoors to a cool and bright place that remains 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.

Once Spring has sprung and after the last frost, the climbing plant can go outside again.

Note: For the winter, it is a good idea to add organic plant material around the base as mulch – this will not only provide additional warmth but will also decompose and add nutrients to the soil.

Star Jasmine Problems

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

Conclusion

Star jasmine is a beautiful evergreen climbing plant that can be used to add colour and life to any garden or outdoor space and can be planted in USDA zones 8-11. It is a beautiful addition to any garden and can also be grown in pots and containers so it can be moved inside during extremely cold weather.

If you are looking for a climbing plant that will add beauty to your garden year-round, then consider planting a Star Jasmine.

Garden Doctor Tips

“If you are re-potting your Star Jasmine, it is best to do this in the early Spring!”

“Water Star Jasmine little and often to prevent the root ball from becoming waterlogged!”

“Star Jasmine pots are easiest to move with a base frame with wheels, which you can place under the bucket when planting!”

“If you are using soil from the garden for your Star Jasmine, you should also mix in well-rotted manure or compost to increase the nutrient content!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow Star Jasmine indoors?

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.

Why does my Star Jasmine have red leaves?

There are a few reasons why your Star Jasmine might have red leaves. One possibility is that it’s simply due to the change of season – as Autumn approaches, many plants’ leaves will begin to change colour as they prepare for winter.

However, if the red leaves are accompanied by other symptoms like wilting or yellowing, it could be a sign of a more serious problem such as disease or pests.

Is Star Jasmine poisonous to dogs?

No, Star Jasmine is not poisonous to dogs. In fact, it is considered non-toxic to both dogs and cats according to the ASPCA. However, as with any plant, it is best to keep an eye on your pet if they decide to nibble on it. If you notice any vomiting or diarrhoea, contact your veterinarian right away.

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