Falso Gelsomino

Class

Magnoliopsida

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Apocynaceae

Order

Gentianales

Genus

Trachelospermum

Species

jasminoides

Description

A vigorous evergreen shrub, it can reach a height of 8–10 metres due to its climbing plant habit, which makes it suitable for gazebos and pergolas, as well as for creating green barriers or natural screens (fences, netting and hedges) and for covering walls using appropriate supports. There are also varieties used as ground cover.
Its ornamental value stems not only from its ovate-lanceolate, leathery leaves – which are a deep, glossy green and often turn red in late autumn and early winter – but also from its terminal inflorescences bearing white, five-petalled flowers with an intense fragrance. Varieties with variegated foliage are also available on the market.
Hardy, it tolerates intense winter cold (particularly well when grown in the ground) as well as summer heat, provided it receives regular Irrigation – especially when grown in pots.

curiosity and special features

It is often mistakenly referred to as jasmine (Jasminum officinale), even though it differs from jasmine in terms of the type of foliage, the shape of the flower and its greater resistance to winter cold.

Origin and Diffusion

False jasmine is a vine native to the region stretching from central-western and southern Japan to Vietnam.

Leaf

The leaves, which are leathery and evergreen, have an elongated, lanceolate blade with a pointed tip and entire margin.

Leaf color

Solid-coloured, dark green and glossy on the upper surface. There are varieties with variegated leaves.

Plant height

The plant height varies from 2 to 10 metres, depending on its plant habit.

Lifespan

Polyennial evergreen shrub.

Suggested planting locations

Widely suggested planting locations for flowerbeds, balconies, window boxes, large pots, terraces, gazebos and hedges, thanks to its evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers.

Stem/stem

The stems are semi-woody and thornless, with smooth grey-brown bark that develops lenticels with age; they are climbing and exude latex.

Flower

The flower has a gamopetalous corolla and is of medium size. It is arranged in medium-sized inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-summer. It has sweet notes and is intensely fragrant, with a strong aroma. It attracts bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

A species characterised by vigorous and rapid growth.

Plant habit

It develops a climbing habit, which means it is necessary to install supports such as trellises, frames or to train it to grow on pergolas or gazebos.

There are also varieties used as ground cover.

branching

abundant, with young, pubescent branches.

pH

It is suitable for soils/mediums with different pH levels, although the optimum values are between 5.5 and 6.5.

sun exposure

It grows well in light shade or full sun.

It prefers bright sun exposure but should not be exposed to direct, intense summer sun for long periods, particularly in very hot and dry areas. It can also be planted in shaded positions, although it will produce fewer flowers there.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C during the growing season.

The survival temperature range is between -10 and 40 °C.

Although it is highly resistant to winter cold, it is advisable to protect it with non-woven fabric, particularly younger plants and those grown in pots. When grown in the open ground, mulching is also useful, both to protect the roots from the cold and to reduce water loss through evapotranspiration, thereby keeping the soil/medium cooler during the hot season.

Use

One of the most widely cultivated and used species in:
Ornamental use Outdoor landscape design

Hardiness

Highly hardy, it adapts to different soil types, withstands the winter cold and tolerates the summer heat.

Soil/medium

For optimal growth, the soil should be medium textured, moist and, above all, well-drained.

For pot cultivation, choose a new, high-quality medium specifically designed for ornamental shrubs; the pot should be spacious and have drainage holes in the base.

Maintenance

Easy to grow, it requires a moderate level of maintenance, making it all the more useful.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation tips:
A plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates and can even survive in frozen soil/medium. It can be planted in sunny or partially shaded beds. In low light, the plants do not flower

planting

Given the plant habit, an average density of 1 plant per square metre is recommended.

Dig a planting hole at least twice the size of the root ball.
Position the plant so that the crown is above the soil/medium level and ensure that supports such as netting or trellises are in place from the outset to help anchor the trunks and branches.

pruning

Once flowering has finished (late summer), carry out a light pruning by trimming back the tips and removing any dead wood; avoid drastic pruning, particularly during the summer flowering period and in winter.

Reproduction/Propagation

Vegetative propagation is carried out using semi-woody stem cuttings.

potting

Potting in spring or autumn every 2–3 years.

Irrigation

Allow the growing medium or soil/medium to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging.

Water more frequently during the warmer months, particularly in very dry summers and when grown in pots.

During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent root rot.

Fertilization

During soil preparation for transplanting, perform base fertilizing using a specific, balanced, slow-release fertiliser.

In early spring, spread a specific granular fertilizer over the surface of the growing medium or soil, ensuring it does not come into direct contact with the stem and is not applied to dry compost or soil.

To encourage flowering, you can use a liquid fertilizer, all-purpose fertilizer for flowering plants, diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Human toxicity

It contains a toxic and irritating white latex.

advise 1

If used as a climbing plant, it is necessary to install trellises, frames or train it to grow up pergolas or gazebos. It is also an interesting idea to plant it against low walls and let it cascade down, creating dense cascades of green foliage dotted with numerous fragrant flowers. Once flowering has finished (late summer), carry out light pruning by trimming back the tips and removing any dead wood; avoid drastic pruning, particularly during the summer flowering period and in winter.