Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Star of Toscana'

Star of Toscana Star Jasmine

Botanical Name: Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Star of Toscana'
Family: Apocynaceae
Origin: China and Japan (cultivated selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen compact climber & groundcover

Overview

A compact, versatile evergreen perfectly suited to Adelaide's Mediterranean climate, Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Star of Toscana' delivers the classic fragrance and beauty of star jasmine in a smaller, more manageable form. Glossy dark green foliage creates year-round structure, while masses of intensely fragrantcreamy yellow star-shaped flowers perfume the garden in spring and early summer. Naturally compact and slower-growing than standard star jasmine, it works beautifully as a low climber, dense groundcover, container specimen or informal hedge. Exceptionally drought-tolerant, heat-loving and low-maintenance, 'Star of Toscana' brings versatile elegance and intoxicating fragrance to South Australian gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 50–100 cm H × 80–150 cm W (as groundcover); 1.5–2.5 m H (as low climber with support)
• Growth Rate: 20–40 cm per year under good conditions (slower and more compact than standard star jasmine)
• Foliage: Small, glossy dark green oval leaves; dense, compact growth; evergreen year-round; bronze-tinged new growth adds seasonal interest
• Flowers: Masses of creamy yellow star-shaped flowers with five twisted petals; blooms profusely in spring and early summer (October–December) with occasional light flowering in autumn
• Fragrance: Intensely fragrant—rich, sweet jasmine perfume that carries through the garden, especially in the evening
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure year-round with spectacular fragrant spring–early summer flowering; bronze new growth flushes add colour depth
• Wildlife Value: Good for pollinators—attracts bees and beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Excellent drought tolerance once established; heat-tolerant; frost-hardy (tolerates moderate frosts; may show tip damage in hard frosts but recovers); wind-tolerant in sheltered positions; coastal-tolerant in sheltered gardens; requires good drainage—will not tolerate waterlogging
• Planting Density: Groundcover: 2–3 plants per m²; Low climber/hedge: 80–120 cm apart; Containers: 1 plant per 40–50 cm pot
• Pet Friendly: Use caution—milky sap can cause mild skin irritation; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset; generally not palatable to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best flowering in full sun; tolerates light shade well but flowers less)
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam, or improved clay loam; thrives in moderately fertile soils; excellent in raised beds and containers with premium potting mix; tolerates Adelaide's alkaline soils; avoid waterlogged sites
• Water Needs:
  • Establishment: Deep soak twice weekly for 8–12 weeks
  • Established: Deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; minimal watering in winter once established
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; trim lightly after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage dense growth; can be lightly hedge-clipped if used as formal edging; tie in climbing stems to support if used as low climber; feed lightly in early spring with slow-release fertiliser if desired; mulch to retain moisture; virtually pest and disease-free
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years with minimal care
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate South Australia—Adelaide plains, foothills, Fleurieu Peninsula, sheltered coastal and inland gardens
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); tolerates mildly alkaline soils (up to pH 7.5) if well-drained

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Compact groundcover for garden beds requiring fragrant evergreen coverage
• Low climber on small trellises, pillars, or mailbox posts
• Informal low hedging or border edging for fragrant structure
• Containers and pots for patios, balconies, and courtyards—cascading fragrant blooms
• Spillover plant for retaining walls and raised beds
• Small-space gardens where standard star jasmine would be too vigorous
• Fragrance gardens near windows, seating areas, and outdoor entertaining for evening perfume
• Contemporary and formal landscapes requiring compact, neat evergreen structure
• Mass planting on slopes or embankments for fragrant erosion control

Why You Will Love It

'Star of Toscana' delivers all the intoxicating fragrance and beauty of classic star jasmine in a compact, manageable form perfect for smaller Adelaide gardens. Glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, while masses of perfumed yellow flowers transform spaces each spring. Versatile, drought-tolerant, and naturally compact—it's the ideal star jasmine for modern water-wise South Australian landscapes.