Trachelospermum jasminoides (Rhyncospermum jasminoides) Star Jasmine

Native to China and the sub tropical Himalayas, voluble, evergreen, climbing plant with entire, lanceolate leaves, 4-6cm long, 2-3cm wide, very leathery, rich, bright green on the upper side, paler underneath which alone constitute an extraordinary ornamental feature. From the end of May to mid-July the plant is literally covered in thousands of simple, white, star-shaped flowers clustered in terminal heads with a wonderful, penetrating scent that can be smelt from a distance. It is not harmed by smut or pollution in cities and towns and if plenty of fertiliser is given it will grow tall and more vigorous every year. It can be used like all other climbing plants, that is, to cover walls, pergolas, porches, arches etc. It can also be used to hide anything ugly, to form screens when planted on trellises and fences.