Carolina jessamine is easy to grow. It is attractive on an arbor where the slender branches hung with yellow flowers can be seen from below. This plant will stay in scale and can be used on decks and porches and near patios and entryways. It is good in containers and as a ground cover along steep banks to help control erosion.

Carolina jessamine tolerates either full sun or partial shade. Flowering is more prolific and foliage growth is denser in full sun.

This vine is very adaptable and will grow in a variety of conditions. For best results, plant it in rich, well-drained soil. Moist soil is ideal, but the vine is able to withstand periods of drought once established.

Plant from containers during cool weather, spacing 3 feet apart for ground cover and 4 to 8 feet apart for wall or trellis climber.

Fertilize while the plant is actively growing with moderate amounts of a balanced fertilizer. Do not overfeed, since excessive fertilizer can reduce flowering.

Older vines that become top-heavy or sparse can be pruned back to a few feet above ground level after flowering. Remove dead or broken branches and shape the plant each year after bloom. Mow groundcovers every few years to maintain density.

CULTIVARS AND RELATED SPECIES
‘Pride of Augusta’-also known as ‘Plena’-is a popular double-flowered cultivar that stays in bloom longer. The flowers are very attractive at close range.

Swamp jessamine (Gelsemium rankanii) is a native Southeastern species. It flowers heavily in fall as well as in spring and has yellow flowers that are not fragrant.