The short answer

Quick Answer

Star Jasmine thrives in full sun or partial shade or full shade on chalky soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 3 to 5m tall with support. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -10°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: After flowering in late summer

How: Trim to shape. Cut back wayward stems to a side shoot. Do not chop into old woody stems

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: China and Japan

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Brought to Europe in 1846 by Robert Fortune, the famous plant hunter

Folklore: In China, the plant is called luo shi, meaning rock-shifting plant, because it can grow over rocks and walls

Fun fact: Despite the name, star jasmine is not a true jasmine. The common name comes from the similar scented flowers

Historical medicinal uses: None. The sap can irritate skin

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Moths and bees. The scent intensifies at dusk to attract moths [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides evergreen shelter for nesting birds and winter insects[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 8 out of 10 Flowering July to September. Leaves turn bronze-red in cold winters[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with clematis to extend the flowering season. Climbs well through small trees

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Scale insects, leaf burn in cold winds. See RHS plant page

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

We use star jasmine to cover ugly fences and shed walls. Plant it 30cm out from the wall, train the first stems onto wires, and it will climb on its own after that.

CGM guides mentioning Star Jasmine

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Star Jasmine and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Star Jasmine

How Star Jasmine fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Aquilegia (Columbine), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Star Jasmine.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Star Jasmine are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Star Jasmine. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Trachelospermum jasminoides. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Apocynaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Endress ME, Bruyns PV (2000). A revised classification of the Apocynaceae. Botanical Review, 66(1), 1-56.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Apocynaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, pollinators, pest_control.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Star Jasmine. The pollinator description above ("Moths and bees. The scent intensifies at dusk to attract moths") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides evergreen shelter for nesting birds and winter insects") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "Flowering July to September. Leaves turn bronze-red in cold winters"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("Moths and bees. The scent intensifies at dusk to attract moths"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Star Jasmine's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides evergreen shelter for nesting birds and winter insects") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Star Jasmine. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Star Jasmine's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Apocynaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Star Jasmine. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Star Jasmine. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Star Jasmine. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Star Jasmine. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Star Jasmine. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Star Jasmine. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Star Jasmine. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Star Jasmine performs well locally

Towns where Star Jasmine is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover