Latin name: Trachelospermum jasminoides
Description: Hailing from China, this fine evergreen climber is much tougher than you might think. The dense foliage is composed of rich, dark, glossy privet like leaves up to 5cm long. In summer loose clusters of windmill shaped, jasmine-like, sweetly scented, creamy white flowers are produced in abundance from early to late summer and are a joy to behold. You just have to smell them as you walk past. ‘Variegata’ has leaves edged with splashes of cream that are often tinged pink in winter.
Hardiness: hardy to about -5C
Height: up to 9m in the wild but can easily be maintained at around 2m
Position: Full sun to dappled shade protected from wind
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Water: fairly drought tolerant once established
Usage: Best planted close to a doorway or arch so you can enjoy the intoxicating scent all summer long
Thu, Apr 10, 2008
Exotic