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FAQs About The Bougainvillae Plant

Bougainvillae is a beautiful tropical plant. In areas that mimic a tropical environment they grow well. They need direct sunlight. At least six hours per day is good. It will also need soil that is well drained. This plant will need to have an opportunity to dry out between watering. Therefore, an area that gets a lot of rain will not be a good choice. Nor, will an area where nighttime temperatures go below 60 degrees.

If you live in a cold or wet area keep your plant potted and take it indoors over the winter. Leaving it outdoors over the winter in cold climates will result in your plant not coming back in the spring. You can then put the pot back out when the weather improves.

When breaking up the soil for planting add some food and fertilizer to the dirt. Mix it in well. This will give a good foundation for planting. Your plant will get some needed nutrients. Be gentle when planting. The roots on this are very tender.

After placing your plant in the hole that you have dug and prepared, gently fill it back up with dirt. Tap it down. Take your spade or other small shovel to make a trench a few inches out from the plant. Create the trench to go all the way around. This will be useful for keeping the water close by while your plant is become accustomed to its new home.

Water well in the beginning. After the plant has adjusted and settled you want to cut back on watering. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. You will be able tell it needs water when the soil is dry to the touch. When that happens water it well so the water gets down to the roots.

Prune to keep the shape and height that you want. These plants can and will grow tall. You will have to prune it to keep it manageable. Pruning also helps the plant to become stronger. This can be done at anytime of the year. Pinching back some of the new shoots is also good.

During the blooming season feeding is important. In the right area where the temperature is ideal these will flower twice per year. Once in the spring and once again in early fall. You should feed during these two times. The plant loses a lot of nutrients and this helps to replace them.

The Bougainvillae will benefit from a trellis. It is a vine and as it grows it can be trained to grow along the trellis. A fence will also work if there is one nearby. When you are choosing a spot for planting think about leaving room for a trellis or something being nearby for climbing. One thing you do not want nearby is a tree that might block out the sunlight. Blocked sunlight would be very bad and would keep the plant from thriving. However, with proper care you will have a stunning plant that is filled with gorgeous blooms.

Punica Granatum (pomegranate) As An Option For The Garden

If you are looking for something to plant in that spot in your yard where it is too sunny for anything to grow, one of your best options may be the Punica Granatum (pomegranate). It is a shrub that will bring some color into your garden. Furthermore, you will have your own supply of fruit.

The leaves are narrow, long and glossy. They help give the plant its round shape. An average plant grows to more or less 12 to 16 feet in height. Some plants grow even bigger, to 30 feet. If your space is limited, however, you can plant a dwarf variety that will grow to about 3 feet only.

One of the benefits of having this plant in your yard is that it is so colorful when in bloom. Some varieties are even grown mainly for their bright red flowers, which have a diameter of about 2 inches. Hummingbirds also love these flowers with their four or five big petals.

The plants bear fruit in fall and early winter. A pomegranate fruit is big and round, between 2.5 and 5 inches in diameter, with a thick, reddish skin. When you cut open the fruit, you will see that it is actually a berry. Inside the hard skin there are small seeds. There can be several hundred of these seeds in one fruit. They have a watery, pulpy outer part known as the aril. The aril is usually deep red and is the part that you can eat.

Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C. The arils have a taste that varies from sweet to slightly sour. They are used a lot in the cuisine of the Middle East, India, Pakistan and the Mediterranean countries. Even though they are good in salads and in hot meat dishes, Western taste-buds may prefer them with ice cream or yogurt or in baked goods. However, they are excellent on their own too.

The juice is becoming an increasingly popular drink, also in cocktails. It can be used as an ingredient in marinades, sauces and salad dressings too. Thickened and processed into a sweet syrup, it is known as grenadine, essential in any bar.

Pomegranates originated in Kurdistan, an area in modern-day Iran and Iraq. For hundreds of years people in this part of Asia have been growing the shrub and using its fruit. Because of its origin, the shrub prefers a warm and dry climate, like the Mediterranean climate of southern California. In a very wet climate the roots are prone to rot.

The best location for one of these plants is a spot that gets full sun. This makes it a great plant to provide shade for your more fragile herbs and flowers. However, if you don’t have a suitably sunny location, the plant will also grow in partial shade. It is easy to grow and is resistant to drought. It is hardy too and there aren’t many diseases and pests that will affect it. However, you will have to be on the lookout for leaf-footed bug and the pomegranate butterfly.

You can grow Punica Granatum (pomegranate) from seeds. However, it is better to grow it from cuttings, because this will keep the genetic integrity of the variety intact. No matter how you choose to propagate the plant, though, it will bring color and joy to your yard.

Brighten Up Your Yard With Punica Granatum (pomegranate)

If you have a sunny spot in your yard and are wondering what to plant there, you may want to consider the Punica Granatum (pomegranate). This shrub will not only brighten up your garden and provide some shade. It will also give you a supply of delicious fruit.

On average the plant grows to a height of about 12 to 16 feet, with a rounded shape and leaves that are narrow and long with a glossy finish. However, pomegranates can grow as big as a tree-sized 30 feet. There are also dwarf varieties that grow only to about 3 feet.

The flowers are a bright red that will bring color to your garden. In fact, there are varieties of the shrub that are grown for their flowers only. These flowers are about 2 inches in diameter, with only a few big, rounded petals. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, these flowers are a good way to do it.

From fall and into early winter, the flowers develop into rounded fruit with a diameter of about 2.5 to 5 inches. The fruit has a thick, leathery skin that is reddish in color. However, the pomegranate is actually a berry. When you break open the fruit, you will find that it has hundreds of small seeds inside. These seeds consist of a harder core surrounded by a watery pulp, usually a beautiful deep red in color. This pulp is called the aril and is the edible part of the fruit.

Pomegranates are good sources of vitamins, especially vitamin C. You can eat the arils as they are, since they have a sweet taste with a hint of sourness too. They are also good with yogurt or ice cream and are popular in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian and Pakistani cuisine, even in meat dishes like lamb kebabs.

The juice is great on its own or as a mixer in cocktails. You can also use it in salad dressings, marinades and sauces. Furthermore, it is the main ingredient in grenadine syrup, the sweet, red syrup that brings the sunrise to a Tequila Sunrise.

Growing these versatile plants in your garden is easy. Pomegranates prefer warm, sunny climates since they originated in the Kurdish parts of Iraq and Iran and have been grown in that part of Asia since ancient times. They are particularly well-suited to Mediterranean climates where summers are warm and dry. Too much water, however, can cause root decay.

Although the plants will grow in partially shady spots, they prefer full sun. So, you can plant them in areas of your garden where few other plants will grow and then use their foliage to provide shade for smaller herbs and flowering plants. They don’t need a lot of watering and can resist drought quite easily. They are also highly resistant to pests and diseases, but the pomegranate butterfly and the leaf-footed bug may be a problem.

If you decide to plant Punica Granatum (pomegranate) in your garden, the best way to do this is from cuttings. You can use seeds for propagation too, but this may affect the quality of the variety. Whichever way you choose, though, you will have a shrub that will be an asset to your garden for years to come.

Management Of The Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant

Planting of plants is a practice that has been adopted internationally for numerous reasons. Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant is one among the many plants that people raise for their aesthetic effect on the environment. This plant belongs to the Pittosporaceae family and has distinct aspects that make people select among the many available.

It bears the strength to withstand significant weather changes thus making it suitable for growth in many regions worldwide. Nevertheless, harsh weather conditions such as low temperatures and exceedingly hot conditions will affect its growth negatively. The fact that it has appealing green leaves and bears flowers with a sweet scent makes them add an aesthetic value to the environment.

It is mainly potted in the case where a person as interested in raising it independently for various reasons such as those for sale. It also looks good in a small flower garden where it is grown together with other types of plants. It is neither affected by the soil type nor the level of pH of the soil it is grown on and therefore can be grown almost anywhere.

It can fit in any setting in attribute to its bushy style of growth. Many are cases when people will prefer having them potted to make it easy during transportation for instance with the case of the commercial producers. It is also convenient to maintain them when grown individually as they have their own space for movements during pruning.

It has many leaves which form a shrub as it matures and therefore is fit for planting along small pathways. When planted in a flower garden with others, it adds on to the color variety of the flowers in the garden. It works well when planted next to plants with purple flowers and other brightly colored flowers which lead to mixed colored garden.

It bears cream flowers which give a scent the same as that from ripe oranges. This scent dominates the atmosphere and makes it smell fresh and natural creating a sweet environment for people. In the same way, a lot of insects are attracted to the flowers thus bringing about a beautiful natural environment. In addition to its beautiful flowers, its green leaves also blend in well with the cream color making it bright enough to capture the attention of everyone passing around them.

Maintaining it should be carried out as a routine to ensure that in addition to its natural beauty, it is polished to look its best at all times. Removal of aged leaves should be done by pruning them to give them space to breath as well as to develop fresh new leaves which make it more appealing. Watering them should also be done to maintain their natural grow as well as to keep their leaves clean.

Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant is one good example of the many plants gaining a lot of popularity in due to its aesthetic qualities. It brings people closer to nature when they tend to them and keep them around their closest environment. Taking care of it is not as hard and therefore it is one of the most economical to grow.

How To Grow A Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant

Different types of plants are planted for different reasons in the whole world. Among the many plants that people plant in order to add splendor into their environment is Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant. A member of the Pittosporaceae scientific family, it has gained popularity among the people who love natural beauty due to its green leaves and cream flowers.

It does well in most of the weather conditions and actually manages to maintain its green color all through. However, it is affected by very cold and extremely hot weathers the same as many other plants. It is mainly planted for beauty purposes that come along with its green leaves and the sweet scented cream flowers that it bears.

It is mainly raised as a potted plant and can also do well in a small flower garden away from too much sun. It will survive in nearly all types of soil be it loam, clay or even sand for as long as there is enough moisture to sustain it. It will also flourish in all soil pH levels from acidic to neutral and even alkaline as it is not affected by their changes.

It has a naturally bushy shape which makes it fit for different uses. It is commonly potted to ensure ease in moving it from one place to another as well as for placement in sensitive and clean areas such as on the balconies. Handling of potted plants is also easier especially when raising them for sale and are convenient to maintain as they are planted individually.

As it grows it forms dense shrubs with its surplus foliage which make it suitable for raising beautiful hedges along a pavement. It also does well as a garden flower when blended with other types of plants such as those with purple flower which blend in well with its cream flowers. Their leaves also contribute to its beauty especially when its flowers blossom to form a green cream blend.

Its flowers have a characteristic scent similar to that of ripe oranges thus making the environment smell as such. This scent also captures the attention of various beautiful insects which enjoy being around it thus bringing the different gifts of nature closer to man. After the flowers fall off, berries emerge in their place making it look even more naturally beautiful.

Even though this plant is still attractive by nature, it is advisable to carry out various maintenance procedures on it. During dry seasons, watering it makes sure that it gets enough moisture to keep it from losing it natural bright color. Pruning it also ensures that the old branches are removed to give way for development of new and fresh ones to make it look young and beautiful.

Many plants are currently being raised for sale to curb the high demand that has arisen from peoples’ need of being close to nature. Among them is Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant which can even be purchased over the internet by interested individuals. Many people have embraced and planted it widely.

Growing And Nurturing Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Tree

Plants are planted worldwide for various reasons mostly depending on the particular species. Pittosporum Tobira Nanum tree is one of the many species people grow and nurture for aesthetic purposes. It scientifically belongs to the Pittosporaceae family. It adopts the nature of a shrub as it grows since it has a lot of foliage.

Buy Pittosporum Tobira

The tree can tolerate almost all of the weather conditions as it remains ever green due to its heavy foliage nature. It however does not agree with extremely dry or cold periods just like many plants. Its noticeable green leaves are very appealing to the eye and thus making it suitable for decoration purposes to people who love nature.

It does well in almost all types of soil from loam to sand and even clay. The soil could be put in a pot or even left on the ground as long as there is provision of a shade from direct scotching sun. The pH of the soil and water used on the other hand does not affect it much as it survives in alkaline, neutral and even acidic soils.

Its bushy shape makes it convenient for various uses. It can be planted in a flower pot and placed under a shade. This method is most recommended as it gives room for shifting of the plant in case of adverse weather conditions. Potted plants are also easy to transport in case one has bought them or had them and wants to relocate to another place.

It is also planted to form hedges along pathways as well as in small flower gardens. This is made possible by the fact that it can spread widely and has a lot of leaves which form compact bushes. It forms elegant looking hedges due to its deep green colored leaves blended with its bright cream flowers which blossom before the appearance of berries.

It bears sweet scented flowers which smells almost like an orange thus filling the air with this scent making it so natural. The flowers also make it so attractive and even attract insects which fill the place with mother nature’s beauty. The berries that appear after the flowers wither and drop off also add on to its aesthetic aspect.

Although it is naturally beautiful, routine maintenance makes it even more elegant especially in a formal set up. The procedure involves watering during dry seasons to ensure that it remains bright and full of life. Routine pruning is also necessary to give it the desired shape as well as to remove overgrown branches which could make it look dull if left unattended as well as to ensure that it grows better and faster.

Growing of plants has been adopted as a commercial activity where plants are potted and grown for sale. These plants are even accessible online for purchase by interested individuals in various species depending on a person’s taste. Pittosporum Tobira Nanum Plant is one of those that has gained a lot of popularity among people due to its beautiful features and ease in nurturing.

How To Grow A Tuscan Olea Europea Tree

Olea Europea is a tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is evergreen and popular because of its stunning accent. It has leaves that are shiny, leathery as well as have a greenish-grayish hue with contorted branches. The tree does well in warm weather that does not go below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting your tree, ensure that you have an ideal site. Prune it and structure a water cycle.

Your tree should be planted in well-drained soils. It remains vital that you protect it from exposure to too much wind. Extreme elements could cause it to topple since the roots are not deep penetrating. When planting many trees, provide a spacing of not less than 20 feet. Also, allow it 50 feet headroom. Its height averages from 30 and 50 feet.

It is possible for the trees to resist a gush of wind, extreme drought as well as frost. The wood could be used to make furniture. When fully grown, the tree becomes extremely densely crowned. It could also cover an area of around nine meters. It has some tiny white-greenish flowers with some scent. Its fruits are small, round and little flesh. When ripe, they are purple-black in color.

Animals and humans love the fruit. The tree possessed medicinal strengths. It could be used to reduce blood pressure as well as develop an eye lotion. It treats diarrhea from its extracts. The tree can make products such as ornaments, fencing products, spoons and also furniture. The ripe fruit is good for making ink. Ensure that the trees are planted close to a water source.

The plant makes an impressive source of cover for other garden plants. This is mainly because of its evergreen nature. Make sure the seeds are propagated on river sand rich areas. It is also possible to use cuttings that have a rooting hormone. Do not plant the trees too close to patios, water or pools since its root system has a tendency to be overly aggressive.

The plant needs a lot of compost. Organic mulching using dried leaves is vital to avoid too much loss of water as well as keep weeds away. Throughout the year, water it well. Make sure the soil is fertile and well drained. If this is not so, the root system may rot and will reduce the function and structure of the entire plant.

After the tree is established well, you do not have to water it since it can be able to resist drought. No common pests are known but there are diseases. The Verticillium wilt could cause the leave to shrivel and branches fall off. It remains possible for these trees to develop a fungal infection that takes its toll on the roots, which end up rotting.

When feeding the Olea Europea be sure to fertilize it with high-nitrogen fertilizer. Ensure that you water it all through the year until the next new growth. Pruning shears are vital for the removal of sickly, broken and dead branches. This should be done in its dormant season to allow for aeration and sunlight. Remove the suckers on the trunk as well.

How To Care For A Tuscan Olea Europea Tree

The Olea Europea is an evergreen treed native to the Mediterranean region. This tree is loved for its gorgeous accent. Its leaves are leathery, shiny and green-grayish in color. Its branches are contorted. The tree thrives in warmer areas not less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting this tree, make sure you keep it in mind that you need to plant it at an ideal site. It remains important to prune it and have a water cycle for it.

The trees need to be planted in soils with good drainage. It is important that you protect it from too much wind. The roots are not known to go deep enough into the soil and it could risk toppling over when exposed to extreme elements. Many trees should be planted at least 20 feet apart. To add to that, allow not less than 50 feet headroom. The average height of the tree is between 30 and 50 feet.

The trees can resist a lot of wind, drought as well as frost. It could be possible to use the wood for making furniture. The fully-grown tree has a neat shape and a very dense crown. The trees could cover an area of nine meters. It has tiny white to greenish flowers with a light scent. The fruit is also tiny and round with little flesh. When ripe, they turn purple to black.

The fruits are loved by animals as well as people. It also has medicinal advantages. It is mostly used in treating conditions such as high blood pressure and makes eye lotion. Diarrhea is also treatable with its extracts. It produces wood products like ornaments, furniture, fencing posts as well as spoons. Its ripe fruit could be used to make ink. Make sure that your tree is planted near a water source.

The tree is an impressive source of shade for plants in the garden especially if because of its evergreen qualities. All you should do is to propagate the seeds in the rich river sand. You could also use the cuttings from the hardwood and remember to include a rooting hormone. Never plant your trees near walls, patios or pools. The root system has a tendency to be aggressive.

The plant requires a lot of compost. Mulching using organic materials like dried leaves will be vital to avoid extreme loss of water. All through the year, the watering should be done moderately. Grow the plant in fertile, well-drained soils. A poor drainage could result in rotting of the root system that will reduce the function and structure of the whole tree.

When the tree has established well, you will not need to water it since it resists drought. There are no common pests with this plant. It is however possible for it to contract diseases that include Verticillium wilt, which causes branches to fall and leaves to shrivel. It is also common for the Olive tree to develop a fungal infection that results in rotting roots.

During feeding of the Olea Europea make sure that, you use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Make sure you water it well throughout the year until you realize new growth. Pruning shears will come in handy when removing sick, dead or broken branches. It is also a good idea to prune back any awkward branches during its dormant season. This allows penetration of air and sunlight. In addition, get rid of the suckers as well.

The Adaptable Trachelospermum Jasminoides Will Enhance Your Garden

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is the Latin name for a most attractive, evergreen climber. It is commonly known as the star jasmine, although it does not belong to the Jasminum genus. It is a member of the dogbane family and is related instead to the frangipani, carissa, mandevilla and catharanthus. Although classed as a climber, this is a very versatile plant.

Other common names are Confederate jasmine or trader’s compass. The name Confederate Jasmine came about because it is suitable for the United States Gardening Zones 8 to 10. This area is often referred to as the Confederate States of America. The other common name, Trader’s Compass, relates to an Uzbekistan belief that the plant pointed traders in the right direction but only if they were reputable people.

It is native to the woodlands of China, Japan, Korea and India. The star jasmine has become a favorite in domestic and public gardens throughout the world. The glossy leaves are dark green. They are oval in shape and quite pointed at the ends. In summer the creeper is smothered in star-shaped white flowers. These are highly perfumed.

The flowers have five petals and are one to two centimeters in diameter. The plant flowers well in sun or shade but can be slow to become established. Once it has its roots firmly settled it tends to stray and can reach heights of 6 to 9 meters. It isn’t hard to keep under control if it is pruned back after flowering. Stray tendrils can be trimmed off at any time.

The star jasmine is a great addition to pergolas, walls and verandas. It will twine and climb over almost anything, hiding tree trunks or softening the appearance of bare walls. If you don’t need a climber, it makes a lovely groundcover or spill-over plant. It also makes a very fragrant hedge. Another use for Trachelospermum Jasminoides is as an edging for a garden or as topiary specimens.

Not content with being a climber and ground cover, it will thrive in containers. They are a lovely indoor plant and grow well in a greenhouse situation, especially in cold areas. As long as they get some sun through the winter, they will produce fragrant blooms in summer and autumn.

They prefer well-drained soils which contain some organic matter. Once established they are reasonably drought tolerant. Although they are susceptible to frost they will grow in light to heavy soils. There are a few cultivars but they don’t seem as vigorous in their growth patterns as the parent. One has a variegated creamy-white leaf and another, Tricolor, has pink tinges in new growth. The Variegatum cultivar has leaves with white margins.

Valuable oil is distilled from the flowers and used in high quality perfumes. In Asian cultures, the tinctured flowers are used in incense-making. Homeopathic sources state that the plant has a use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other complaints. The stems of Trachelospermum Jasminoides are used for bast fiber, similar to that obtained from flax or hemp. This may be used in high-quality textiles as well as in rope, carpet, sacks, paper, burlap and similar products.

Why Trachelospermum Jasminoides Is A Great Garden Performer

Gardeners who make space for a Trachelospermum Jasminoides among their borders will not regret it. This delightful and obliging plant will brighten up awkward spots, never fearing to grow where other plants wither. Usually referred to by its common name, Star Jasmine, this plant is a great performer that is truly deserving of its title.

The Star Jasmine is a member of the large and varied Apocynaceae family. It hails originally from South East Asia, but is happy to put down roots in any sufficiently clement climate. Conservationists often frown upon this exuberant plant. They view it as an unruly invasive species. However, this does not stop gardeners from loving it, and there is a good reason for that.

These attractive climbing vines give a year round display of glossy green foliage, supplying welcome color during the dormant season. When in flower, the show of delicate tubular blooms can be breathtaking. They are most highly prized, however, for their heavenly scent. The fragrance appeals not only to humans, but will act as a powerful magnet to beneficial garden wildlife, such as pollinating bees.

Once established, the Star Jasmine will grow vigorously. It will quickly smother unsightly fences and walls. It will scramble up pillars and pergolas. It will trail gracefully from large containers. It will not sulk, as many other plants do, when planted beneath a tree, but instead provide mounds of pleasing ground cover. The versatility of this plant is undeniable.

It is best to plant the vines in a neutral soil, but they will cope with a small degree of acidity or alkalinity. The roots are happiest in a rich, but free-draining loam. Given a sunny aspect they will grow strongly, but also do surprisingly well in partially shaded areas. The blooms, as is the case with many white flowers, actually show up better when not exposed to strong sunlight. They benefit from regular watering and feeding during the growing season. Other than this they are little trouble, and are not prone to attack from pests or disease.

The Star Jasmine is classed as a half-hardy perennial. Therefore it grows best in frost free climates. However, with a little careful planting, gardeners in cooler climates may be able to keep it alive in a sheltered position. West facing walls are often a good place to grow tender plants. Those living in considerably colder zones may consider growing the vine as a glasshouse or conservatory plant.

It is easy to propagate new stock from mature plants. The most reliable method is to take semi-ripe cuttings from shoots that do not bear flowers. This should be kept warm, preferably with bottom heat, until they have rooted. In milder areas it may be possible to collect seed from the pods that form at the end of the season.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides makes few demands upon the gardener once established. So long as it is planted in the right conditions it will flourish for many years, providing fantastic cover, color and fragrance. The Star Jasmine is a top performer that more than earns its place in the garden.

Why Trachelospermum Jasminoides Is A Great Garden All-Rounder

Those fortunate enough to enjoy mild conditions should consider finding space for Trachelospermum Jasminoides in their back yard. These pretty and accommodating climbing vines grow happily in a range of horticultural settings. Better known as the Star Jasmine, this plant will steal the limelight and outshine many other garden favorites.

This member of the Milk Thistle family originates from South East Asia. However, it will thrive anywhere where local climate will allow it. Often it is so successful on foreign soils that it is regarded as an invasive thug that crowds out more delicate native species. Nevertheless, this reputation has done nothing to dent its popularity with gardeners who admire it greatly.

The vines sport handsome, evergreen foliage, which turns a delightful bronze hue as temperatures fall. The blossoming period is brief, but the stunning display of abundant, pretty white flowers more than makes up for this. Their true gift to the gardener, however, is their divine fragrance. Understandably, the plant is prized by perfume makers. It is equally attractive to wildlife and will summon hummingbirds, bees and butterflies from near and afar.

The vigorous climbing habit of this plant makes it ideal for training over arbors, trellises and gazebos. They will grow rapidly to cover up unsightly fences and structures. If planted in large enough containers they will spill and trail with grace. They will gladly provide ground cover beneath trees where other plants fail to grow. It is a very useful garden plant.

The Star Jasmine is best planted in neutral soils, but will tolerate a pH range from 6.1 to 7.8. They like to sink their roots into free draining loamy soils. They should be situated in a sunny location, but can still perform well in a semi-shaded area. In fact shade often shows the white flowers up to better effect. They need to be kept moist throughout the growing season and will benefit from regular feeding with a general purpose plant food. They rarely suffer from pestilence or disease.

Gardeners should be aware that this is a tender plant that can be killed by a heavy frost. Those gardening in cooler zones can get around this by making clever use of micro-climates within the garden. As rapid defrosting causes the greatest cell damage, planting against a west facing wall can protect the plant as it is more likely thaw gradually. In some areas, however, the plant must be confined to a greenhouse or conservatory if it is to survive.

Although they are generally long-lived plants it is wise to propagate new stock from the vine every so often. Semi-ripe cuttings taken from a non-flowering shoot will easily take root in a protective environment. Alternatively, it is possible to collect seeds from the ripe pods later in the season. These can be cleaned and stored until it is time for sowing.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is an easy and undemanding plant that more than repays the attention given to it. It will grow for many years, bringing pleasure and stirring happy memories. It serves many practical functions within garden design, yet is never anything less than beautiful to behold.

Why Gardeners Should Find Room For Trachelospermum Jasminoides

If there is one plant that gardeners should try to make room for on their patch it is the Trachelospermum Jasminoides. This attractive and versatile climbing vine lends itself to a variety of garden situations. The Star Jasmine as it is commonly known, though occasionally referred to as Confederate Jasmine or Trader’s Compass, is a star performer.

The Star Jasmine is a member of the Dogbane family, or Apocynaceae. It originates from South East Asia, but happily makes its home in milder zones all around the world. In some cases it makes itself almost too comfortable and many botanists regard it as an invasive species. Nevertheless, its attractiveness makes it a much admired and sought after plant.

It has glossy, evergreen leaves which often take on an appealing bronze tinge in colder weather. These are arranged in pairs around the stem. The flowering period is short, often no more than a few weeks, but intense. Masses of pretty tubular white flowers are borne on the woody stems. They release a powerful, heady aroma, thus it is a plant widely used plant in perfumery. The scent is as attractive to local wildlife as it is to humans.

The Star Jasmine has a vigorous climbing habit. It can look charming growing over arches and pergolas. It is very useful for covering up eyesores such as ugly fencing and walls. If allowed, it will trail elegantly from large containers. It can also make for excellent ground cover, particularly beneath trees where other plants struggle to thrive. Few plants are so useful.

The vines prefer a neutral soil but will tolerate soil that is either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. They thrive best on free draining loams. A vine can be planted either in full sun or in partial shade. A little shade shows off the white blooms to their best advantage. During the growing season they will require plenty of watering and an occasional dressing of general purpose fertilizer. They are generally trouble free plants, which are rarely attacked by pests or disease.

The Star Jasmine is classed as a semi-hardy perennial and therefore will not tolerate severe frosts. However, it may survive a general dip in temperature if grown in an accommodating micro-climate. Growing plants against west or southwest facing walls gives some added protection against frosts. Those living in colder climates can still enjoy this pretty and fragrant vine by growing it indoors as a conservatory plant.

Propagation is not difficult. Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken after flowering. Indeed it is always worth taking a few of these each year as insurance against loss of the parent plant to unexpected frosts. Seed can also be collected from the pods. These should be allowed to dry on the plant. The collected seeds, once cleaned, store well ready for sowing next season.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is a generous plant that performs well in a variety of circumstances. It demands very little care, yet gives great pleasure and joy to those who give it a home in their gardens. It is both a practical and beautiful addition to the garden.