Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
Care, watering, light and tips for Carolina jessamine on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Gelsemiaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Carolina jessamine
Gelsemium sempervirens, commonly known as yellow jessamine or Carolina jessamine, is a vigorous, evergreen vine cherished for its abundant, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers that emit a sweet fragrance. It's perfect for covering pergolas, fences, or walls, creating a stunning floral display in spring. However, it's crucial to remember that all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
Native range
Southeastern United States and Mexico
Care tips
It thrives in full sun to partial shade for optimal blooming. This plant requires well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil and regular watering to keep the substrate moist, especially in hot, dry climates, but avoid waterlogging. A common mistake is not providing adequate support for its climbing growth or over-pruning it before flowering, which will reduce the number of blooms. It's important to handle it with gloves due to its toxicity.
How to save a dying Carolina jessamine
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves, general wilting, premature flower or bud drop.
- First aid
- Check drainage, water if soil is dry or reduce if waterlogged. Move to partial shade if in intense sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or strong direct sun without enough water (heat/drought stress).
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it often recovers if watering or sun exposure issues are corrected promptly.