Tips on Tying Star Jasmine

Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is not actually part of the jasmine family; jasminoide means "jasminelike," according to Sloat Garden Center. These plants can be recognized by their fragrant, white, pinwheel-shaped flowers that are present around springtime and summer. The twining vines are not as invasive as ivy and can be used along fences, walls, trellises and even climbing up trees. Being able to care for and secure your star jasmine vines properly is important, although they are pretty good at securing themselves to structures if given the chance.

Plant your jasmine in moist, self-draining soil in a sunny location for best growing and twining results. Prune and clip the plant regularly. This will encourage lateral growth and denser foliage. Apply fertilizer every six weeks between spring and fall months for the optimal growth.

Use climbing structures that are sturdy, not flimsy or flexible. Although star jasmine may take a bit to grow tall with thicker vines, the plant will get there. When it does, it will need a sturdy structure that will not break under the pressure or weight. Sturdy wooden or metal trellises work well for this.

If you are growing star jasmine by short walls, you can allow the star jasmine to climb over the top and cascade over to the other side. If the plant doesn’t have long tendrils, allow them to grow with the aid of a trellis until they reach the top of the wall. Once the tendrils reach this point, they should be able to secure themselves in place as they grow from that point.

Secure your trellis in the ground or near a structure that it can lean against. You can also use a fence. If the plant already has long tendrils, you can gently set or weave the plants through the trellis. Star jasmine is a twining vine plant that will actually secure itself to the structure well, so there is no need for rough tying techniques if it has tendrils. Early in the plant growth, however, you will want to place the plant gently against the trellis or wall with the vines pointing up. Secure the tendrils loosely to the trellis with cord or wire. Do not make the ties tight as this may negatively affect plant growth. Once the twining vines establish growth, they will wind around your trellis or structure by their own means. Continual tying shouldn’t be necessary but it you want to direct them a certain direction, use cord or wire to secure the tendrils in place.