Jasmine: Intoxicating Evening Fragrance
Jasminum spp.
Jasmine perfumes summer evenings like nothing else. Star jasmine (Trachelospermum) covers fences with white starflowers in southern gardens. Common jasmine needs warmer zones. Both reward you with fragrance that carries across a yard.
Specifications
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness zones
- 7–11
- Height
- 10–20 ft
- Bloom time
- Late spring to summer
Care & growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Provide support — jasmine twines rather than clings. Water consistently during bloom. Prune after flowering to shape. In marginal zones, plant in a sheltered spot or grow in a container.
Companion plants
03Find jasmine in your zone
15Zone-specific care, planting windows, and alternatives.
- Z7 Jasmine in Zone 7
- Z7a Jasmine in Zone 7a
- Z7b Jasmine in Zone 7b
- Z8 Jasmine in Zone 8
- Z8a Jasmine in Zone 8a
- Z8b Jasmine in Zone 8b
- Z9 Jasmine in Zone 9
- Z9a Jasmine in Zone 9a
- Z9b Jasmine in Zone 9b
- Z10 Jasmine in Zone 10
- Z10a Jasmine in Zone 10a
- Z10b Jasmine in Zone 10b
- Z11 Jasmine in Zone 11
- Z11a Jasmine in Zone 11a
- Z11b Jasmine in Zone 11b
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What's the difference between star jasmine and confederate jasmine?
They're the same plant — Trachelospermum jasminoides, sold under both names depending on region. Confusingly, it's not a true jasmine (not a Jasminum species), but it smells like one and grows similarly. Hardy to zone 7–8 with protection.
02 Can jasmine grow in pots?
Yes — especially useful in colder zones where you need to bring it indoors for winter. Use a large container (18+ inches), provide a trellis, and let it dry slightly between waterings. Bloom less reliable than in-ground but still good.
03 Why is my jasmine not blooming?
Three likely causes: too much nitrogen fertilizer (switch to bloom-boosting 5-10-10), not enough sun (needs at least 4 hours), or it's too young (jasmine can take 2–3 years to bloom after planting). Also, winter damage can delay blooming in marginal zones.
