Asiatic Jasmine Minima

Trachelospermum asiaticum

Asiatic Jasmine Minima is a woody, vining plant that is preferred by many designers and commercial landscapers for its capability to form dense mats of foliage that suppresses weed growth. Asiatic Jasmine Minima is often used as a substitute for turf since it is much more drought-tolerant and can be controlled by once a year mowing. It prefers partial shade and rich soil with ample moisture. However, it will also survive in full sun or shade, and will adapt to most soils.

This sturdy groundcover has few pest or disease problems, and rarely requires pesticides. It is somewhat drought tolerant, and once established it does not require irrigation so long as there is normal rainfall. Asiatic Jasmine Minima is often selected for use in difficult to maintain places with harsh environments such as traffic islands and urban plantings.

Asiatic Jasmine Minima is often confused with Confederate Jasmine. Both are not a true Jasmine and look similar when small, however they have substantially different growing patterns and uses. Confederate Jasmine has a larger leaf, a noticeable, fragrant flower and is more of a climbing vine that can grow upwards to 2 feet tall. Asiatic Jasmine Minima is more of a ground cover that is less likely to climb and very rarely flowers. Due to these differences, Confederate Jasmine and Asiatic Jasmine Minima are generally not considered appropriate substitutions.

Ornamental Characteristics:

Native Origin:
Asia – Korea & Japan

Common Names:
Dwarf Jasmine, Small Leaf Confederate, Yellow Star Jasmine

Description:
Hardy Range: 8 – 10
Growth Rate: fast
Growth Habit: spreading

Ornamental Characteristics:
A low-growing ground cover, Asiatic Jasmine Minima have smooth reddish brown vines, which form dense tangled mats along the ground. The small leaves have a leathery texture, are deep green in color, and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems.

Environment:
Soil: alkaline; clay; sand; acidic; loam
Salt: moderate
Exposure: partial sun