Carolina Jessamine: A Southern Beauty for Your Garden

The Carolina Jessamine, scientifically known as Gelsemium sempervirens, is a stunning vine native to the Southeastern United States. Its fragrant, bright yellow flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of Southern charm to their landscapes. This versatile plant can be trained to climb fences, arbors, and trellises, or it can be used as a ground cover for erosion control.

This adaptable vine grows to 20 feet or more when supported, but can be maintained at 3 feet or less when used as a ground cover with annual pruning. From February to April, the Carolina Jessamine is covered in sweetly scented, golden yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract butterflies. The shiny evergreen leaves provide year-round interest.

Key Benefits of Growing Carolina Jessamine:

• Fragrant Flowers: Enjoy the sweet scent of the golden yellow blooms in early spring.
• Versatile Growth: Can be grown as a climbing vine or a ground cover.
• Attracts Butterflies: The flowers are a favorite of butterflies.
• Erosion Control: Effective ground cover for steep banks.
• Easy to Grow: Adaptable to various conditions and requires minimal maintenance.

For optimal growth, plant your Carolina Jessamine in rich, well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While it prefers moist soil, it can tolerate periods of drought once established. This plant thrives in USDA Zones 6 to 9. You will receive a small plant that is 5-7 inches tall and ships without a pot, ready for you to plant in your garden or container.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carolina Jessamine:

1. How tall will the Carolina Jessamine grow? When grown as a vine, it can reach up to 20 feet. As ground cover it can be maintained at 3 feet or less.
2. What kind of sunlight does it need? It thrives in full sun to partial shade. More sun results in denser foliage and more prolific flowering.
3. When does Carolina Jessamine bloom? It typically blooms from February to April, producing sweetly scented, golden yellow flowers.
4. Is this plant easy to care for? Yes, it is very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating a variety of conditions and even drought once established.
5. What USDA Zones are suitable for Carolina Jessamine? It grows well in USDA Zones 6 to 9.