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 in Phoenix.
The botanical name for Carolina Jessamine is Gelsemium sempervirens. It is South Carolina’s state flower.
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 fast does Carolina Jessamine Grow?
The vine grows fairly quickly, the ones in our garden grew about 2 feet in a year.
Is Carolina Jessamine vine drought tolerant & how much water does it need?
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.
Is the vine evergreen?
Yes, Carolina Jessamine is green year round in Phoenix.
When does the vine bloom & are the flowers fragrant?
Blooms can generally be viewed mid January through March. Yes, the tubular yellow flowers are sweetly scented.
Does the vine attract or deter wildlife?
The sweet scented tubular flowers attracts hummingbirds.
What time of year can I find Carolina Jessamine vines at the local nurseries?
