Confederate jasmine is an intoxicatingly fragrant vine that is known widely in the southeast for it's white flowers and sweet smell. Its versatile nature makes it a great plant for many Gainesville landscape settings.
Characteristics
In early spring and summer, Confederate jasmine produces clusters of small, white flowers that look like tiny pinwheels. Despite their diminutive size, the flowers pack a huge punch of sweet fragrance and can easily perfume an entire Gainesville yard.
Confederate jasmine is a fast-growing, twining vine that can be grown on lamp posts, trellises, or arbors. It will easily twine through chain link fences and makes a great, evergreen screen. It will not climb on masonry walls unless a support structure is added.
Some sources recommend Confederate jasmine as a ground cover, but keep in mind that it's a vigorous grower and may not work well in all situations. A great alternative groundcover is Asiatic jasmine (T. asiaticum), though it doesn't bloom or have the same fragrance as it's counterpart. There are some areas where Gainesville Landscapers have used them successfully as a taller groundcover though.
Planting and Care
Confederate jasmine can be planted throughout Gainesville, Florida and prefers well-drained locations that receive full or partial sun. Plants grown in full sun will produce the most flowers.
Be sure to provide plants with adequate space, since vines can grow twenty feet or more if left unpruned. Pinching back the tips of the vines will encourage branching and produce fuller plants.
Confederate jasmine does respond well to pruning and can even be shaped as a small hedge or espalier. The sap of the plant is quite sticky and can stain clothing, so be sure to clean tools and any soiled clothing promptly after pruning. Confederate jasmine is relatively pest free and drought resistant, making it a great plant for many Gainesville landscapes.