Carolina jasmine, Gelsemium, is an evergreen twining perennial climber. Carolina jasmine is grown for its funnel-shaped, sweetly fragrant, five-petaled yellow flowers borne in clusters in early to mid-spring.
Get to Know Carolina Jasmine
- Plant type: Evergreen late winter- or early spring blooming vine
- Growing Zones and range: 7-9
- Hardiness: Half-hardy
- Height and width: 15’- 20’
- Foliage: Simple green leaves are arranged opposite
- Flowers: Yellow
- Bloom time: Winter and early spring
- Uses: Plant on a fence, trellis, or arch; can be used as a groundcover on banks
- Botanical name: Gelsemium sempervirens
- Common name: Carolina jasmine, evening trumpet flower, woodbine
Where to Plant Carolina Jasmine
- Plant Carolina jasmine in full sun to light shade
- Grow Carolina jasmine in average to humus-rich soil.
- Avoid waterlogged sites.
When to Plant Carolina Jasmine
- Set established Carolina jasmine in the garden in spring or fall.
Planting and Spacing Carolina Jasmine
- Space Carolina jasmine 10 to 15 feet apart.
How to Water and Feed Carolina Jasmine
- Carolina jasmine needs ample moisture; keep the soil evenly moist.
- Fertilize Carolina jasmine with a slow-release fertilizer each spring.
- Prune Carolina jasmine every few years to renew growth; right after flowering prune back Carolina jasmine by half to two-thirds.
- Carolina jasmine is usually pest and disease-free.
Carolina Jasmine Care
- Mulch around Carolina jasmine to conserve soil moisture.
- Tie plants to support; Carolina will twine upwards.
- Prune after flowering to control growth.
- Transplant container-grown plants in spring.
Carolina Jasmine Propagation
- Take cutting in summer. Sow seed in spring.
Carolina Jasmine Varieties to Grow
- ‘Pride of Augusta’ (‘Plena’) has double flowers.
