
Primrose Jasmine is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrub with a sprawling habit, often used as a cascading groundcover or trained over fences and walls. This vigorous plant produces bright yellow, lightly fragrant, semi-double flowers in late winter to early spring, making it one of the earliest bloomers in Texas landscapes. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil but is adaptable to various conditions. While not a Texas native, it performs well in many regions, especially in Central and South Texas, where winter temperatures remain mild.
This jasmine species is an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes or banks, thanks to its arching canes that root where they touch the ground. It can also be used as a loose, informal hedge, though it requires occasional pruning to maintain shape. It normally grows 6 to 10 feet tall, and 4 to 7 feet wide. Space them 4 to 6 feet apart for an uniformed hedge. Due to its aggressive growth, regular trimming helps prevent it from overtaking surrounding plants. Primrose Jasmine is not considered toxic to pets or humans, making it a safe option for family-friendly gardens.
Compared to the more common Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), which has a similar vining habit and yellow flowers, Primrose Jasmine is a shrub rather than a true vine. Unlike Carolina Jessamine, which has toxic properties, Primrose Jasmine is safe to plant in areas frequented by pets and children. However, it lacks the strong fragrance associated with some jasmine species, so it is chosen more for its ornamental value than for scent.
In areas with harsh winters, Primrose Jasmine may experience dieback, but it generally rebounds in spring. In North Texas, it benefits from planting in a protected location, such as against a south-facing wall, to shield it from cold winds. While it can tolerate occasional freezing temperatures, prolonged hard freezes may damage the plant. A layer of mulch around the base can help insulate the roots in winter.
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Specimen Shrub |
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Fence Row Landscape |
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Erosion Control |
Flower Color:Yellow |
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Height:6-10 Feet |
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Spread:4-7 Feet |
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Spacing:4-6 Feet |
Item | Description | |
JAS-PRM-05 | #005 JASMINE, PRIMROSE |
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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