Plant Care Guide

Confederate Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides

Confederate Jasmine, also known as Star Jasmine, is a beloved, fragrant vine prized for its glossy evergreen leaves and clusters of white, pinwheel-shaped flowers that perfume the garden from late spring through summer. This vigorous twining vine can be grown as a trellis-climber, fence cover, or groundcover, and it’s known for being low-maintenance once established. 

It grows quickly (though the first year may be slower as it establishes roots) and is ideal for privacy screens, arbors, pergolas, and scented entryways. With good sun, well-drained soil, and seasonal pruning, Confederate Jasmine becomes a long-lived, reliable, bloom-heavy vine. 

Watering Requirements

Star Jasmine prefers consistent moisture but dislikes soggy soil. 

Watering Schedule 

  • Water when the top inch of soil is dry. 
  • Newly planted vines need regular weekly watering; established plants are fairly drought tolerant. 
  • Increase watering during hot, dry spells or full-sun exposures. 

Signs of Underwatering 

  • Bronzed, crispy leaves 
  • Slow growth 
  • Premature leaf drop 

Signs of Overwatering 

  • Yellowing leaves 
  • Soggy soil 
  • Root rot 

Pro Tips

Mulch around the base (2–3 inches deep) to retain moisture, but keep mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.

Light Requirements

This is a sun-loving vine that blooms best with abundant light. 

Ideal Light Conditions 

  • Full sun for maximum blooms (6–8+ hours daily) 
  • Partial shade is tolerated but reduces flowering 
  • Can grow in heavier shade, but bloom output drops sharply 

Signs of Too Little Light 

  • Weak flowering 
  • Slower growth 
  • Leaf stretching 

Pro Tips

If growing indoors, move your jasmine outdoors for summer. Indoor light is often insufficient for flowering.

Soil & Potting

Star Jasmine grows well in many soils as long as drainage is good. 

Best Soil Mix 

  • Moist but well-draining loamy soil 
  • Neutral to slightly acidic pH 

Potting Notes 

  • Use containers with excellent drainage 
  • Add a trellis or support at planting, don’t push stakes in later as you may damage roots 
  • Repot yearly for container-grown plants 

Pro Tips

If you’re planting in clay, don’t amend the soil heavily. Use native soil to avoid drainage pockets that can trap water and cause rot.

Fertilizing

Confederate Jasmine benefits from light but regular feeding. 

Feeding Schedule 

  • Fertilize in early spring and again mid-summer 
  • Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer 
  • Skip feeding until the plant is well established 

Signs of Deficiency 

  • Pale foliage 
  • Weak flowering 

Pro Tips

Avoid late fall fertilizing, the plant may push tender new growth that won’t harden off before cold weather.

Pruning & Maintenance

This vine grows fast and needs seasonal shaping. 

Pruning Guidelines 

  • Prune after the main bloom period (early summer) 
  • Remove dead, damaged, or roaming stems anytime 
  • Shape regularly to prevent invasion of nearby shrubs or trees 

Maintenance Tips 

  • Provide sturdy support, vines become heavy 
  • Train along trellises or arbors as it grows 
  • Wear old clothes: sap is sticky and stains 

Pro Tips

Pinch back vine tips during the growing season to encourage branching and create a denser, fuller plant.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow Leaves 

Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency 

Fix: Improve drainage, water only when the top inch dries, fertilize in spring/summer 

Bronzing or Leaf Drop 

Cause: Drought stress or excessive heat 

Fix: Increase watering; apply mulch 

Sparse Blooms 

Cause: Too little sun or underfeeding 

Fix: Increase sunlight to 6–8 hours; feed in spring and midsummer 

Scale Insects / Sooty Mold 

Fix: Use horticultural oil or neem; prune heavy infestations 

Root Rot 

Cause: Waterlogged soil 

Fix: Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency 

Pro Tips

If vines refuse to bloom, focus on light first, then fertilizer. Light is the #1 factor affecting flower production.