Trachelospermum jasminoides is a species belong to Apocynaceae family. Its binominal name is Rhynchospermum jasminoides. The name for the genus comes from the Greek word trachelos meaning “neck” and sperma meaning “seed” for the shape of the seeds and the specific epithet means “Jasmine like”. English name Confederate Jasmine comes from former Confederate States of America where it is widely planted (California and particularly in the Southeastern United States).

Trachelospermum jasminoides is native to Japan, Korea, Southern China and Vietnam. It is a twining, evergreen, woody perennial. Growing to 4-5 m high. Dark green and shiny leaves are opposite, oval to lanceolate, 3–10 cm long and 1–5 cm wide.

The fragrant flowers are white, 1–2 cm diameter, with a tube like corolla opening out into five petal like lobes. The fruit is a slender follicle 10–25 cm long and 3–10 mm broad, containing numerous seeds. The plant with its scented jasmine-like flowers, it is often known as Star Jasmine.

In late spring the new flush of growth is a bright green. Strongly perfumed star shaped white flowers hanging in clusters on outside branches appear by the summer. The individual flowers open over a long period.

Confederate Jasmine likes well drained conditions and full sun to partial shade for the most blooms. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil conditions, but will grow in slightly acid soils.

Trachelospermum jasminoides is a vine that does need support. Since it blooms on the previous year’s growth, pruning should be done after flowering. Beyond initial planting and training, plant requires little formative pruning and training, as it is a self-clinging, twining climber and will cover the space effectively on its own. Renovation, if necessary, consists of cutting all shoots back by two thirds, to a side shoot or flowering spur. This should encourage new shoots to break from the remaining branches and from the base.

Confederate Jasmine is usually trouble free. When grown under glass, it may be susceptible to common glasshouse pests such as red spider mite, whitefly, scale insect and mealy bug. In heavy, damp or clay soils, or in soils with a fluctuating water table, plant may be susceptible to phytophthora root rots.

Trachelospermum jasminoides can withstand -12 ˚C. Leaves have a tendency to turn bronzy in the winter with temperatures below freezing. Propagation is commonly done with cuttings. Nowadays, there are some cultivars with variegated leaves or flowers with different colors like yellow or pink.

All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. Valuable perfume oil is extracted from the flowers and used in perfumery industry.

Use in Landscape: Confederate Jasmine is commonly grown as ornamental plant and houseplant. In gardens, public landscapes, and parks it is used as a climbing vine, a groundcover, and a fragrant potted plant on terraces and patios. As a drought tolerant plant, it is suitable for xeriscaping.