If you seek a fast-growing evergreen vine, consider Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides, pronounced tray-key-low-SPER-mum jaz-min-OY-deez). It is not a ‘true’ jasmine (Jasminum genus). This lovely vine has pointed, shiny, dark green leaves. Small, very fragrant star-shaped flowers appear in summer, giving rise to its common name, Star Jasmine.
Confederate Jasmine can be grown on a trellis or allowed to scramble over the soil as a ground cover. It is cold hardy zones 7b through 11, but grows fast enough to enjoy as an annual in colder climates. It prefers shade from the hottest afternoon sun. Too much shade will produce vine stems with long spaces between the leaves (internodes). The one in the Mary Snoddy garden is planted at the north-east corner of a building, a sun exposure that makes it happy.
Confederate Jasmine is undemanding. It will grow in most soils and is moderately drought tolerant. While it twines naturally, it does not have suckers to adhere to surfaces. If grown on a trellis, the vine will need to be wired to the structure in a few places. A mature vine can be heavy, so select a sturdy support. It can be an ideal privacy-maker if grown on fencing.
Confederate Jasmine can be trimmed to keep it compact. When cut, the vines produce a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. If you choose to root those cuttings into new plants, allow the sap to dry several hours before placing them into rooting compound.
My favorite cultivar is ‘Madison’ because of its reblooming habit. Variegated forms are available. They grow slower than the non-variegated type and are more difficult to propagate via rootings. Deer don’t nibble on this plant. Bees love the flowers.
Confederate Jasmine used as a ground cover, creeping over a stucco wall.
This Confederate Jasmine grows on a sturdy trellis. Mature vines like this one can be quite heavy.