If you’re looking to add color to your garden in the winter and spring months the Carolina Jessamine vine is a good choice. This vine provides pretty yellow trumpet shaped flowers for several months.
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The botanical name for Carolina Jessamine is Gelsemium sempervirens. It is South Carolina’s state flower. Carolina Jessamine is green year round in Phoenix.
Everything You Need to Know to Grow Carolina Jessamine in Phoenix
Before planting a vine you’ll want to know if it prefers sun or shade and it’s growth pattern. So if you’re want to cover a block wall, trellis, or arbor vines are a great choice. Before you start digging:
- How does a Carolina Jessamine vine climb ?
- How fast does it grow?
- Is the vine drought tolerant?
- Is the vine evergreen?
- When does the Carolina Jessamine vine bloom and are the flowers scented?
- Does the vine attract or deter any wildlife?
- What time of year can I find Carolina Jessamine vines at the local nurseries?
- How do I care for Carolina Jessamine vines?
How does a Carolina Jessamine Vine Climb?
This plant can be trained to grow as a vine or a ground cover. As a vine it will quickly twine around a support such as an arbor, trellis, and wire fence. It can grow 10 – 20 feet in any direction. If support is not provided, the vine will ramble as a ground cover.
How & Where to Plant Carolina Jessamine Vine
Gardening zone: 7-9
Carolina Jessamine loves sunlight! Pick a location that gets full sun to partial shade. The more sunlight it gets, the more vibrant and prolific the blooms will be. Here in Phoenix, it does appreciate shade from the intense afternoon sun.
This vine isn’t too picky about soil, but it does best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Before planting, mix in some compost to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
- Dig a hole that’s twice the width and the same depth as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Water regularly
Allow space for this vine. It can grow fairly quickly, the ones in our garden grew about 2 feet in a year.
Watering Carolina Jessamine
The vine is drought tolerant for short periods of time, however it prefers moist, organic soil. As with all plants water regularly. If you water plants deeply it helps them build a stronger root system.
Does the vine attract or deter wildlife?
The sweet scented tubular flowers attracts hummingbirds.
Is the Vine Toxic?
Yes, unfortunately Carolina Jessamine is a toxic plant.
How do I care for Carolina Jessamine vines?
During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist. Once established, this vine is quite drought-tolerant, but it’s still a good idea to water it regularly during the hot summer months or prolonged dry spells.
Looking for more vine inspirations? Check out our blog post on Fast Growing Flowering Vines to Add Color and Privacy.
When Does the Vine Flower?
The vine’s tubular yellow flowers are sweetly scented. Expect a spectacular display of yellow flowers from late winter to early spring, typically from February to April. The blooms last for several weeks, providing a much-needed splash of color.
Looking for more vine inspirations? Check out our blog post on Fast Growing Flowering Vines to Add Color and Privacy.