In The Garden: Southern showstopper
Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is an intoxicatingly fragrant vine that causes me to take deep breaths to draw in the scent I associate with the heat of summer and lazy days on the porch.
It is a quintessentially southern vine that grows rampant across any structure or surface you will allow it on. With its winding tendrils, it will quickly wind through a fence or trellis to create a living green wall. I’ve used this vine to “hide” fences and pool equipment and to accent arbors leading into my garden, and I will wander out of my way to smell the wonderful rich fragrance of the plant.
Confederate jasmine produces clusters of small, white waxy blooms that look like little pinwheels, while the scent they provide is a rich sweet perfume that can scent an entire garden. The leaves are a lovely, dark glossy green that keeps it looking great all year long.
Careful placement of this hardy vine is essential as it does grow quickly. On the other hand, it’s very easy to keep this vine trimmed to the shape you prefer.
Enjoy this evergreen vine with the lovely scent. It takes little watering when established and prefers full sun to promote its generous blooms.
In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-395-5859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.