Gelsemium sempervirens

Gelsemium sempervirensCarolina Jasmine

Vine

This is not a true jasmine, but its flowers resemble the Italian jasmine. The evergreen vine grows at a moderate rate to 20 feet, providing an uneven and tangled cover. Leaves are yellowish green and densely cover the plant.

Temperature

Hardy to 15F. Loves heat. Recovers from cold damage quickly.

Water requirements

Moderate. established plants are reasonably drought resistant.

Sun

Open to part shade, even full shade but blooms later in spring. Full or reflected sun for early bloom. Does best with a south or east exposure.

Soil

Tolerant. Prefers improved garden soil.

Maintenance

Periodic.

Disadvantages

all parts of the plant are poisonous. In time it becomes overgrown and top heavy with dead underbranches. Flowers can be a litter problem.

Bloom

Clear yellow trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in profusion along slender stems during late winter and early spring. Sometimes fragrant.

Uses

Porch posts, fences, walls and trellises. Can also be used as a ground or bank cover, but may tangle and mound.

Origin

Native to the southeastern United States. Member of the Loganiaceae family.

Themes

Woodsy, Informal, Subtropical, Fragrant.

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