Star jasmine ∗ The 10 best care and planting tips

Origin and growth

Which we like to use as an ornamental plant Star jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum jasminoides) belongs to the genus star jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum), which from a botanical point of view belongs to the dog venom family (Apocynaceae). Of the around 20 species, in addition to Trachelospermum jasminoides, the species Trachelospermum asiaticum is used worldwide as an ornamental plant.
Trachelospermum jasminoides is at home in the forests of Japan and Vietnam, where the plant climbs trees and forms long, woody lianas.

Leaves, flowers and flowering period

Characteristic are the bright white, five-fold star blossoms that appear in large numbers between April and August. The oval, glossy green leaves turn reddish in autumn and form a striking contrast to the sea of ​​flowers. Especially in warm, humid weather, the flowering plant also exudes a strong, vanilla-like scent reminiscent of real jasmine.

Toxicity

As a typical dog poison plant, the star jasmine is unfortunately poisonous. Families with small children and curious pets in particular should refrain from planting, as the strong scent is good to try tempted - but all parts of the plant contain toxins that cause unpleasant to dangerous symptoms of poisoning can. In the event of poisoning, it is essential to consult a doctor or Vet to be visited. The several meters long, woody shoots also contain a toxic latex, which can cause swelling, redness and even eczema on contact with the skin.

Which location is suitable?

The star jasmine is not sufficiently hardy in this country and should therefore not be planted in the garden. However, the species is particularly suitable for a bucket culture, for example on the terrace, balcony, in the winter garden or in the Flat - the last two options are even preferable, as the plant is in the same location all year round can stay. Otherwise, the climbing plant feels particularly comfortable in a location with these characteristics:

• slightly sunny to partially shaded
• no direct midday sun
• airy, but not drafty, sheltered from the wind
• ideal for west or east balconies
• perfect for house wall or pergola

When looking for a location, keep in mind that the star jasmine can very quickly grow to be several meters long and always look for its way upwards - therefore a stable climbing aid is essential.

floor

In order for the star jasmine to flourish and bloom well in the tub, it needs high-quality, nutrient-rich potting soil. Be sure to purchase a peat-free substrate and use one that is humus-based instead. This contains all the nutrients that are important for flower formation. Alternatively, good garden soil can also be used, provided you put it in the oven or in germ-free in the microwave - otherwise there is likely to be nasty surprises with weeds or pests come.

Mix the chosen substrate with sand or gravel to increase the permeability and thus reduce the risk of waterlogging. Even Clay balls(€ 22.65 at Amazon *) or Expanded clay(€ 16.36 at Amazon *) work well for this purpose. When using soil from the garden, you should also use mature compost or Compost soil mix in to increase the nutrient content.

Plant star jasmine properly

If possible, cultivate the star jasmine in a bucket, as the plant is not hardy in this country. If the plant cannot stay in its place all year round, you should consider the possibilities Plan for clearing the winter quarters - this should be light and cool, but absolutely frost-free be. The easiest way to move the plant pot is to use a base with wheels, which you can place under the tub when planting. The location can be overwintered if it has winter protection and does not fall below five degrees Celsius even when the outside temperature is very frosty.

Pot in the star jasmine as follows:

• spring is ideal for planting
• Use a plant pot with a drainage hole at the bottom of the pot
• cover it with potsherds or stones
• these prevent silting up and thus clogging
• The pot should be twice as wide and deep as the root ball
• Mix the plant substrate with drainage material
• Pour about a third into the plant pot
• Carefully hold the star jasmine in
• Fill empty spaces with substrate
• Include climbing aid
• Press the earth lightly
• pour vigorously

Pour star jasmine

The star jasmine does not need a lot of water - on the contrary, because the climbing plant needs little moisture even during the flowering period. Therefore, you should especially check the copies that are in the Penumbra or standing in the shade, watering very cautiously - an excess of water leads to diseases and ultimately to death. Waterlogging in particular is harmful. Excess irrigation water is to be removed from the cachepot or planter no later than half an hour after watering. Remove coasters.

Fertilize star jasmine properly

The star jasmine only shows its long-lasting bloom when it is adequately supplied with the nutrients required for blooming. Therefore, you should use a high-quality container or flowering plant fertilizer about every two weeks between April and November fertilize, which you administer together with the irrigation water if possible. Also a Slow release fertilizer - for example in the form of sticks or cones that you stick in the substrate in spring - are suitable for sufficient supply. During the winter months, on the other hand, stop fertilizing completely.

Cut the star jasmine correctly

A pruning of the attractive climbing plant is not absolutely necessary, but it is recommended before moving it to the winter quarters. Regular thinning out if the shoots are too dense is also useful so that the plant does not bald from the inside - especially since the flowers do not develop properly if they are too dense can. Sufficient air and light is extremely important for the healthy growth of star jasmin. Use the scissors according to the following scheme:

• Cut back in autumn after the flowering period
• Thinning in spring and, if necessary, in summer
• Thin out densely grown areas
• remove individual, very long tendrils especially from the inside
• remove old inflorescences

Make sure to use sharp scissors that have been disinfected with a suitable means for cutting not to squeeze the star jasmine unnecessarily and there is a risk of the transmission of pathogens to decrease. You should also wear protective gloves to avoid contact with the toxic milk juice. Under no circumstances should it get in the eyes!

Repot

You should repot the star jasmine once a year so that the plant can sprout better in fresh substrate and with more space and produce numerous new flowers. Therefore, the ideal time for such a measure is early spring. If the old planter still offers enough space for the roots, you do not have to replace it with a larger one - but renewing the used substrate makes sense. When repotting, be sure to completely remove the old soil.

Propagate star jasmine

You can easily propagate the star jasmine yourself both by seeds and vegetatively by cuttings.

sowing

You can obtain germinable seeds of the star jasmine either from your own plant or from specialist shops. Sow these in late summer (approx. from the beginning of September) in nutrient-poor Sowing soil and push it in lightly. Cover the seed pot with a translucent lid or foil to keep the humidity high (the gardener calls it “tight air”). This measure increases the germination rate and allows the young plants to grow faster. The plant pot also belongs in a bright - but not directly sunny - place that is around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius warm. Keep the substrate only slightly moist and use lukewarm water if possible. Finally, in spring, move the young plants to a larger pot with a nutrient-rich substrate.

Cuttings

To propagate cuttings, cut about ten centimeters long shoots from the main shoots in August - and thus after flowering. Put this in a container with Growing substrate,(€ 12.99 at Amazon *) which you cover with foil or a cut off PET bottle. Like the seedlings, the cuttings become warm and slightly damp in a light spot over the winter well-cared for and finally in the spring in a larger container with fresh, nutrient-rich substrate implemented. However, give only a little water during the period of rooting and let the substrate dry off a little in between.
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Overwinter

Basically, star jasmine is not hardy and should therefore be moved in autumn to a cool and light winter quarters that are around eight to ten degrees Celsius. Avoid the root ball drying out completely even in winter, which is why you should keep the substrate slightly moist. However, do not water enough to dampen the soil a little. After the ice saints in May, the climbing plant can go outside again. Since the plant can withstand low frosts of up to minus five degrees Celsius for a short time, you can also plant it out in regions with mild winter - for example in the wine-growing areas. But then the star jasmine needs light winter protection.

Diseases and pests

Unfortunately, the star jasmine is quite susceptible to typical pests such as aphids, Spider mites or mealybugs and mealybugs. Care mistakes - especially too frequent watering, but also excessive dryness - lead to problems.

Species and varieties

The white-flowered species Trachelospermum jasminoides is related to the yellow-flowered Asiatic star jasmine (bot. Trachelospermum asiaticum) confusingly similar. The species also has very similar needs in terms of care and location.