Why growing star jasmine is good for wellbeing
Growing star jasmine gives plenty of pleasure: with its intoxicating fragrance and the beautiful cover it provides, this plant is a real ally for our wellbeing
If you think of the scent of London suburbs on a warm summer’s night, there’s one plant that immediately comes to mind. Wafting through the streets, the sweet fragrance of Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine) intoxicates all who pass by.
But even when summer is over, this woody evergreen climber keeps its charm. Its colours change throughout the year, its flexible stems can take on a multitude of forms across walls and arches and its easy maintenance makes it a perfect choice for anyone new to gardening.
Here, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and Head Gardener at Crocus at Dorney Court Ashley Edwards explains the many reasons why growing star jasmine can be great for your wellbeing.
The smell of summer
Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine)
“When I walk through London, I can smell star jasmine before I see it, and the fragrance becomes even more impactful near a large specimen,” he says.
Its small, abundant white flowers have a sweet scent, with a musky quality and hints of vanilla. This distinctive perfume has made it a favourite in cosmetics and becomes particularly pungent at night, when the plant uses its fragrance to attract moths.
The perfect screening plant
As a twining plant, star jasmine is ideal for screening your garden and creating little zones to suit different moods or activities. Whether you want a quieter corner for privacy or an area to socialise, this evergreen – along with other climbers, hedges, structures and tall plants – can be used to separate spaces. Because no matter how big or small, a garden can provide us with the spaces we need as our interests and emotions change.
By coiling star jasmine’s flexible stems around bamboo canes, a trellis, fence or other support, you can encourage the plant to grow upwards towards the light. Grown over a pergola, its evergreen foliage can provide shelter from the sun and rain, creating a comfortable space where you can sit and enjoy your garden.
Star jasmine grows well on a trellis or other support
Plant it near a window or doorway to fully enjoy its beautiful scent
Since this plant is quite fast-growing, he recommends making sure you have enough space to let it grow freely, or be prepared to prune it to the size you want.
A glossy evergreen
Star jasmine provides interest all year round. It starts flowering between late May and early June and continues to bloom until the end of summer, attracting a host of pollinating insects.
Once the flowers fade, its foliage becomes the main attraction. “The green leaves change colour as the year progresses, turning shades of red in autumn and winter and taking on brighter hues when temperatures drop particularly low,” says Ashley.
The leaves of Trachelospermum jasminoides develop bronze tints in winter
How to grow and care for star jasmine
Previously grown in conservatories, star jasmine has been proven hardier than was thought and has received the RHS Recommended: Award of Garden Merit, which is given to plants that are likely to perform well under UK growing conditions and are excellent for ordinary garden use.
Ashley Edwards, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and Head Gardener at Crocus at Dorney Court
Star jasmine is also easy to maintain. It doesn’t have major pest problems and can cope well with wind. “After heavy frost, you’ll probably see some scorched leaves but don’t worry: simply prune them back and the plant will soon look healthy and beautiful again,” suggests Ashley. “In general, prune your plant after flowering, feed regularly and apply a layer of
