Care of the climbing plant Gelsemium sempervirens or Carolina jasmine |
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The genus Gelsemium, family Gelsemiaceae, includes 3 species of climbing plants native to North America and China. The species are: Gelsemium sempervirens, Gelsemium elegans and Gelsemium rankinii. Common names: Carolina jasmine, Yellow jessamine, Evening trumpetflower, Woodbine. This species is native to the southeastern US, Mexico, and Guatemala. They are perennial climbing plants of moderate growth that reach 15 meters (49.21 feet) in height. The leaves, opposite and lanceolate, are glossy dark green. The scented and showy yellow flowers appear in clusters and are trumpet shaped. They bloom from mid-winter to late spring. The entire plant is toxic by ingestion although it has medicinal properties. They are used to cover fences, walls and pergolas and in pots for terraces and patios. They are ideal for coastal gardens. Gelsemium sempervirens grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. Frost resistant to -7 ºC (19.4 ºF). The soil can be a normal well-drained garden soil with coarse sand and containing organic matter. The pot transplant is done in autumn. Water regularly so that the substrate never dries up completely, although they can withstand a few days of drought. Reduce watering in winter. Fertilize with compost or manure in early spring and early summer. Prune at the end of winter to control its growth. They do not usually present pest and disease problems. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the climbing plant Gelsemium sempervirens or Carolina jasmine |
 Gelsemium sempervirens  Gelsemium sempervirens  Gelsemium sempervirens |