Trachelospermum 'Confederate' (Star Jasmine)

Confederate Star Jasmine is a twining evergreen vine that earns its place in the garden through a combination of handsome year-round foliage and intoxicating summer fragrance. The small, pinwheel-shaped white flowers appear in clusters in early summer and release a sweet, penetrating scent that carries on warm evenings. The leathery, dark-green leaves stay on the vine through winter, making it a useful year-round screen or cover on fences, arbors, trellises, and walls. Without support, it can also be used as a spreading ground cover.

On the Oregon coast's mild Zone 8 to 9 corridor, star jasmine performs reliably with proper siting. Choose a sheltered location away from hard frost pockets, such as against a south or west-facing wall where reflected warmth helps carry the plant through the occasional cold snap. It is adaptable to both acidic and alkaline soils and prefers good drainage, though it is reasonably tolerant once established.

Star jasmine grows 10 to 15 feet when supported and is easy to train along a horizontal surface like a fence or balcony railing. It is a particularly good choice for small urban gardens where fragrance, evergreen structure, and a manageable growth rate are all priorities.