I found a common confusion among most of the greenhorn jasmine enthusiasts: “Is star jasmine the same as Chinese jasmine? “that confusion arises because, in some regions, star jasmine is also referred to as Chinese star jasmine and is known for its charismatic foliage and its decorative values which is created by its intoxicating flowers. You can grow them as a climbing vine or shrub and fill your surroundings with a sweet scent.
People often use star jasmine as a groundcover, whereas Chinese jasmine has a vigorous growth rate and is not a new variety unknown to you people. Yup, you already know this vine by the name Pink Jasmine ( Jasminum Polyanthum ), known for its pink buds, which, after blooming, look like a star because the vine is native to China. It is popularly known as Chinese jasmine.
Chinese Star Jasmine ( Trachelospermum Jasminoides )
Star jasmine is a tropical flowering plant native to Southeast Asia and commonly known as Chinese star jessamine or confederate jasmine. It’s a long-stemmed woody vine that reaches up to 10 feet tall. This gorgeous plant starts producing fragrant flowers in spring and summer. If you want to train these vines on walls, I suggest that east- or north-facing walls are perfect for spreading its foliage. It can be planted as a groundcover and is an easy-to-handle plant with minimal requirements like full sun, well-draining soil, and an optimal watering routine.
Chinese Jasmine ( Jasminum Polyanthum )
Popularly known as pink jasmine or white jasmine, people also call this plant Chinese Jasmine because of the region it comes from; yes, it’s an Indigenous variety of China and Myanmar. It is an evergreen twining climber that blooms light, sweet fragrance flowers. With proper support, this vine can reach 20 feet in height. If you live in a tropical climatic environment where the sun keeps providing its warmth, your plant will thrive well. It can tolerate freezing temperatures. If you are living in the US, then hardiness zones starting from 8-11 are perfect for growing pink jasmine.
Growing & Care Tips
Both vines are twining vines, not clinging vines that will self-attach on the wall or at your desired location. You have to use a clip or something that can hold the vine at the spot.
If you are planning to plant more than one plant, make sure that the distance between them is at least 10 feet.
Sunlight
Both vines love sunlight and require 4-5 hours of daily sunlight. If you are witnessing leggy growth, you need to rethink the plants’ location.
Water Needs
Once established, both plants can thrive in less water, but in their initial stage, they need to be watered twice a week. In the summer, when the heat is harsh, both plants require deep watering, and you should only water your plants in the morning or evening. In winter, you have to hold back on your watering routine because the plant’s demand for water is less.
Fertilizer
Both plants should be fertilized with a sufficient dose of organic compost or a balanced fertilizer like 10:10:10. The best time to feed your plants is during their growing period or before their flowering season.
Pruning
Pruning is also an essential factor when it comes to maintaining your plant, especially for pink jasmine. Because of the vigorous growth rate, it needs trimming often to maintain the plant’s look.
Is Star Jasmine The Same As Chinese Jasmine
Key Differences
Chinese Star Jasmine
Blooming Period – July, August, and starting September
Appearance – Star-shaped white flowers
Not a true jasmine
Sweet-scented flowers
Pink Jasmine
Blooming Period – Late Spring or Winter
Appearance – Pink buds
True jasmine belongs to the Jasminum genus
Sweet-scented flowers
At Last
Both jasmine plants bloom alluring aromatic flowers that can be grown with minimal effort and are capable of transforming your space by training them at the growing phase. So, whether you can add Chinese star jasmine or pink jasmine (Chinese jasmine ) to your garden, they are not going to disappoint you.
