Trachelospermum asiaticum Ogon-Nishiki - Asian Jasmine

The Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Ogon Nishiki' (Summer Sunset) is a remarkably colourful variety of star jasmine, with evergreen foliage that forms a thick, multicoloured cloak that changes throughout the year. This small climbing plant is often used as ground cover, particularly in partial shade. Its glossy foliage creates a constantly changing festival of colours, including yellow, red, bronze, orange, green, and cream-white. The second advantage of this plant is its summer flowering, with small pale yellow stars that exude a fragrance more delicate than that of jasmine. It is best planted in partial shade to protect its foliage from sunburn, in a container on the terrace to shelter it from freezing temperatures, or in the ground in milder climates. 

The Trachelospermum asiaticum, also known as yellow star jasmine, is a Japanese and Korean cousin of the Chinese Trachelospermum jasminoides. The 'Ogon Nishiki' selection distinguishes itself with its compact size and variegated multicoloured foliage. All of these plants belong to the apocynaceae family. This small climbing vine produces stems that do not exceed 1.50 m (5ft) in length. The spring growth is bright orange, then the stems turn green. They bear small, glossy, simple leaves that are approximately 5 cm (2in) long and 2.5 cm (1in) wide, with entire, narrow, ovate shapes and pointed tips. Their colour is a mixture of green, red, and cream-white from spring to summer, with autumn and cooler temperatures bringing out warmer colours such as yellow, orange, and bronze. The flowering occurs from May-June to August-September, in successive waves depending on the soil's freshness. Small clusters of primrose-yellow star-shaped flowers, helical in shape and 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide, appear in the axils of the leaves or at the ends of the branches. Their fragrance, reminiscent of jasmine, is much sweeter and heavily infused with vanilla.

The Trachelospermum 'Ogon Nishiki', with its harlequin habit, brings life to partially shaded areas throughout the year. In most continental European climates, except for the coldest ones, it can be planted in the ground, preferably in well-drained and humus-rich soil, in a gently sunny or semi-shaded location. It forms a magnificent ground cover but can also be planted in masses near a fence, transforming it. It can be grown in a pot in colder regions to provide winter protection. It can easily be stored in an unheated conservatory to enjoy its beautiful winter foliage. Balconies and terraces can also accommodate its astonishing foliage and delightful flowering by placing the plant in a large container.