About Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Yellow Jasmine)
This evergreen climbing vine is called Gelsemium sempervirens. Native to the southern United States and named the official flower of South Carolina in 1924, this vine is commonly known as Carolina Yellow Jasmine. This plant is also commonly called false jasmine or false jessamine, spelled both as jasmine or jessamine. Featuring reddish narrow stems peppered with waxy dark green leaves, this variety can reach an average landscape size of 15-20 feet tall by 3-6 feet wide. Its blooms emerge as early as February and last through April with repeat blooming. Both fragrant and bright, its funnel-like blooms are yellow with an average size of 1-1.5 inches that emerge in clusters.
Planting and care instructions
Plant Gelsemium sempervirens in an area that receives full sun using well-draining soil. It can tolerate some shade and soil that dries between waterings but flourishes best in full sun and moist, but not soggy, soil. No pruning is necessary unless otherwise desired to control size or shape. Keep out of reach of domestic animals as the leaves and flowers are poisonous when ingested.
Landscape design ideas
As a climbing vine, this variety works well when planted in areas that can offer its soft branches support. Train this plant to grow up a wall, fence, or pergola. It doubles as a formal groundcover spreading and growing easily while offering a beautiful display of color to an otherwise bare landscape bed or hillside.
