Gelsemium sempervirens aka Carolina Jasmine
Taxonomy
Gelsemium sempervirens, also known as yellow jessamine or confederate jessamine, is a twining vine native to subtropical and tropical regions of America and the southeastern and south-central United States. It is not a true jasmine, despite some of its common names. The vine can climb up to 20 feet and has evergreen leaves that are lanceolate to elliptic in shape, with pointed tips and entire margins. The flowers are usually solitary and very fragrant. Carolina jasmine, another common name for Gelsemium sempervirens, is the state flower of South Carolina. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10 and prefers moist, well-drained soils with slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. If left unsupported, it can grow as a bushy ground cover and can become weedy in disturbed areas and along roadsides.
Common names
Carolina Jasmine, Evening Trumpet Flower, Evening TrumpetflowerHow to care for Carolina Jasmine
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Carolina Jasmine is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Carolina Jasmine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Carolina Jasmine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Carolina Jasmine prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Carolina Jasmine plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Carolina Jasmine has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Carolina Jasmine’s native range is South-eastern N. America - Florida to Texas and north to Arkansas and S. Virginia.
More info:
Wikipedia
