Gelsemium sempervirens

RHS Plant Profile
evening trumpet flower
evening trumpet flower Dorling Kindersley 2003

Other common names

Carolina jasmine, Carolina yellow jasmine, false jasmine, yellow jessamine

Climber Wall Shrub

An evergreen perennial to 4m, with slender twining stems bearing glossy ovate leaves and small clusters of funnel-shaped, fragrant, pale or deep yellow flowers 3cm in length, marked with orange in throat

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Gelsemiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (poultry): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Gelsemium are twining evergreen perennials with simple, paired leaves and fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers that maybe solitary or in small clusters in spring and summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
C Americas

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full or bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water freely when in growth applying a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Can be grown outdoors in milder areas in most moderately fertile soils but will require protection from cold drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 13 to 18°C in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 12, after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

Generally disease-free