Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine)

Spectacular in bloom, Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) is an evergreen twining climber boasting a profusion of sweetly scented, butter-yellow or deep golden-yellow, trumpet flowers, 1.5 in. across (3 cm). They bloom in late winter to early spring, with occasional sporadic bloom in fall. The flowers may display orange markings in the throat, and are produced either solitary or in showy clusters. They attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies and shine against the handsome foliage of glossy, ovate, light green leaves, 1-3 in. long (2-7 cm). The dense foliage may develop a slight yellow or purple cast in winter. Grown as a vine or pruned into a bushy shrub, Carolina Jessamine blooms on the previous year’s growth. Heralding the onset of spring, Carolina Jessamine can climb trees, scramble over fences and garden structures, or trail along the ground to form a carpet. Carolina jessamine is the official flower of South Carolina.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 10-20 ft. tall (300-600 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
• A full sun or light shade lover, it is best grown in richly organic, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Best flowering occurs in full sun. Protect from cold drying winds.
• Water freely and fertilize monthly during the growing season. Water sparingly in winter.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Prune after flowering to encourage a more compact habit and a copious blooming. Shorten sideshoots to within three to four buds of the permanent framework of branches.
• Propagate by seed sown in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
• The flowers, leaves, and roots are poisonous and may be lethal to humans and livestock.
• Native to southeastern United States, south to Guatemala.