Trachelospermum jasminoides Half Standard
Native to China and the sub tropical Himalayas where the soil is cool and permeable. It was brought to Europe in 1844 by a Scotsman, Robert Fortune. Voluble, woody, evergreen, climbing plant with entire, lanceolate leaves, 4-6cm long, 2-3cm wide, very leathery, rich, bright green on the upper side, paler underneath which alone constitute an extraordinary ornamental feature. From the end of May to mid-July the plant is literally covered in thousands of simple, white, star-shaped flowers clustered in terminal heads with a wonderful, penetrating scent that can be smelt from a distance. Extremely popular in Italy where it is grown in most flat regions, from Sicily to the foothills of the Alps, in the ground (in any type of soil), and also in pots and containers on patios and balconies (no balcony in Rome is without a Trachelospermum), requiring a sandy and peaty compost with a good measure of rich fertiliser. It is not harmed by smut or pollution in cities and towns and if plenty of fertiliser is given it will grow tall and more vigorous every year. Grows fairly fast and can cover very extensive areas, even up to 10 mt height or more.
