Carolina Jessamine
Carolina Jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens (el-SEE-mee-um sem-per-VYE-rens)
Evergreen - Sun - Vine
Spacing 4-8 inches
HABIT: Climbing vine that needs support to start. Profuse yellow flowers in the early spring. Will sometimes bloom during warm spells in winter¡ªno problem.
CULTURE: Well-prepared soil, good drainage, moderate water and fertilizer. Top of plant sometimes needs thinning to prevent a large mass from forming. Will grow in shade but not bloom well.
USES: Climbing vine in full sun for arbors, fences, walls, screens. Early spring color. Should not be used as a groundcover.
PROBLEMS: All parts of plant are poisonous, but not to the touch. Warn the kids not to fool with the flowers.
NOTES: Is not a jasmine. Native to East Texas, Florida, and Virginia.
Note from a Reader: “The Longest Carolina in the World”, right here in Dallas, Texas.
I planted a Carolina jessamine 8 years ago and have woven the vines back and forth through the fence. The pictures don’t do my jessamine justice. You need to see it to believe it! I had to take three pictures, so that you could see the entire vine, because it is so long. It will be in full bloom within the week. I have filed it with the Guinness Book of Records and am waiting to hear back from them. W.M., Addison, TX
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