
Position
- Full sun for optimal growth and flowering
- Can tolerate partial shade
- Prefers a sheltered location, ideally against a south or west-facing wall
Hardiness
- Hardy down to about -10°C (14°F)
- May require winter protection in colder areas
Soil
- Well-draining soil
- Prefers fertile, loamy soil but can tolerate poorer soils
- Neutral to slightly alkaline
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Height: Approximately 8 metres (26 feet)
- Spread: Around 1-2 metres (3-6 feet)
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering period: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
- Evergreen foliage, providing year-round interest
- Attractive, glossy green leaves
Additional Notes
- Produces highly fragrant, star-shaped white flowers
- Excellent for covering trellises, walls, and fences
- Can be used in containers or hanging baskets
- Requires support as it is a climbing plant
- Minimal pruning needed; trim to shape after flowering
- Benefits from a mulch in winter to protect roots
- Sensitive to waterlogged soil, so ensure good drainage
- Attractive to pollinators and helpful for wildlife gardens
Growing Trachelospermum Star of Toscana - A Stunning Yellow Star Jasmine
Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’ brings creamy to buttery yellow flowers and sweet perfume to your garden. This evergreen climber offers a unique colour variation from the traditional white star jasmine, making it a standout choice for gardeners seeking something a little different yet equally charming.
With its glossy, deep green foliage and beautifully scented, pale yellow blooms, ‘Star of Toscana’ delivers elegance and year-round interest. It flowers abundantly from late spring into summer, filling the air with a rich, heady fragrance that makes patios, pergolas, and archways even more inviting.
Like its white-flowered cousin, this variety thrives in a sunny, sheltered position—ideally against a warm wall or climbing structure. It’s also well-suited to large containers, where its colour and scent can be enjoyed up close. ‘Star of Toscana’ is perfect for adding a soft, golden glow to vertical spaces while attracting bees and pollinators.
This low-maintenance and reliably hardy variety is found in many UK gardens. It combines visual appeal with practical versatility. A gentle prune after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages bushier growth for the following season. Whether you’re enhancing a garden feature or creating a fragrant retreat, Star of Toscana is a beautifully rewarding choice.
What is ‘Star of Toscana’?
Unlike its well-established white-flowering relative, Trachelospermum Star of Toscana produces highly fragrant yellow flowers that bring a warm, golden hue to the summer garden. These buttery blossoms retain the same delicious scent that gardeners love in star jasmine but offer a softer, more unusual colour that stands out beautifully against the plant’s rich, glossy foliage.
This attractive woody climber can reach heights of up to 8 metres when given the proper support, such as a trellis, pergola, or fence. It twines gracefully as it grows, making it ideal for covering walls or creating a scented screen in a sheltered spot.
The evergreen leaves remain a lush, deep green throughout the year but often take on eye-catching bronze or copper tones in winter, adding seasonal interest when much of the garden lies dormant. In milder parts of the UK, and resilient once established, ‘Star of Toscana’ offers beauty and practicality in one advantageous plant.
Where Should I Plant It?
Choose a sunny wall or fence in a sheltered spot to get the best from Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’. This beautifully fragrant climber thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from a position that receives full sun or light dappled shade. The more sunlight it receives, the more abundant the flowering, so aim for a warm, bright location wherever possible.
South—or west-facing walls are ideal, especially in cooler regions of the UK, where extra warmth and protection from cold winds will help the plant flourish. In these spots, the radiant yellow flowers will bloom more freely and release their sweet perfume more intensely in the afternoon sun.
Avoid exposed, windy areas and heavy, waterlogged soils, which can lead to poor growth or root problems over time. If you have heavy clay soil, consider improving drainage with organic matter and grit, or grow your plant in a large container. With the right location, ‘Star of Toscana’ will reward you with year-round foliage and a long season of colour and scent.
How Do I Care for This Climber?
If you’re growing Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’ in containers, plant in loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 2. This provides the plant with stability, essential nutrients, and good moisture retention without becoming waterlogged. Ensure pots have proper drainage holes to avoid root rot, and raise them off the ground in winter to protect against frost.
Water regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells and the first year after planting, when the roots are still establishing. Once mature, the plant becomes more drought-tolerant but will always perform better with consistent moisture in warmer months.
Apply a generous layer of peat-free mulch around the base of the plant each spring. This helps retain soil moisture, reduce weed growth, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. Mulching also improves soil structure over time, benefiting the plant’s health.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every four to six weeks from spring to late summer to encourage lush foliage and profuse flowering. This evergreen climber will provide stunning blooms, glossy foliage, and rich fragrance for years with routine care.
When Does It Flower?
Star-shaped flowers appear in clusters throughout the summer, making Star of Toscana a truly delightful and eye-catching feature in the garden. These creamy-yellow blooms bring a soft glow to trellises, arches, and walls, offering a refreshing twist on the classic white star jasmine. The fragrant flowers last several weeks, creating a long-lasting and memorable display.
The first flush of blooms occurs in late spring, typically around May or early June, depending on your location and the warmth of the season. In a warm, sheltered spot, the plant often continues to flower well into August, particularly if it receives plenty of sunshine and regular feeding.
The sweet, heady perfume intensifies on warm days and lingers in the evening air, making it an excellent choice near patios, seating areas, or doorways where you can enjoy its scent up close. With the proper care, Star of Toscana provides months of colour, fragrance, and elegance every summer.
What About Winter Care?
This evergreen climber needs winter protection in areas where temperatures drop below –10°C (14°F). While mature plants in sheltered southern gardens often cope well, those in colder or more exposed locations may suffer frost damage without adequate protection. Consider growing Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’ in large containers, allowing easy relocation to a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, or sheltered porch during the coldest months.
Mulch generously around the base in autumn with well-rotted manure, bark, or straw to insulate the roots and help retain moisture. For extra frost protection, especially in exposed gardens, wrap the base of the plant and any young stems with horticultural fleece during prolonged cold spells.
The twining stems may need support during their early years, so provide a sturdy trellis, wires, or frame. Tie in new growth regularly to protect it from wind damage and to guide it into a neat, structured shape. With some winter care, Star of Toscana will reward you with glossy evergreen foliage and beautifully fragrant flowers year after year.
Will It Grow in Containers?
Star of Toscana grows well in 3-litre pots or larger, making it an excellent choice for patios, balconies, or courtyards. Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No.2, which provides stability, retains moisture, and supports healthy root development. Ensure your container has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, especially during the wetter months.
Growing in pots also allows you to move the plant around—you can place it in a sunny, sheltered spot during the summer and then shift it to a more protected area in winter if needed. It’s perfect for positioning near seating areas, doorways, or pathways to appreciate the plant’s sweet, jasmine-like fragrance fully.
Water regularly during the growing season and feed monthly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser to encourage flowering. In spring, add a layer of mulch to the surface to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. With the proper care, Star of Toscana in a container will bring structure, colour, and scent to even the smallest garden spaces.
How Much Maintenance Does It Need?
Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’ will be low maintenance once established in your garden. A simple prune after flowering, usually in late summer or early autumn, will help it keep its shape and promote growth. This is also a good time to get rid of any stems that are dead or damaged. When you’re pruning, be aware that this plant produces a sticky sap, so it’s best to wear gloves to protect your skin and keep things tidy. Also, water it well during dry periods, especially in the first few years, and provide a trellis or wires so it has something to climb on. A light trim in late winter or early spring can also help keep it from getting too big.
What Makes It Different from Regular Star Jasmine?
‘Star of Toscana’ immediately distinguishes itself from regular star jasmine with its uniquely coloured flowers, a vibrant yellow hue that deepens to a rich apricot as they mature. This contrasts beautifully with the glossy green foliage, creating a striking visual display in the garden. Beyond its colour, ‘Star of Toscana’ retains the same desirable characteristics of traditional star jasmine, including its vigorous growth habit, intoxicating fragrance, and ability to thrive in various conditions. It’s just as easy to care for and offers the same elegant, twining form, making it a fantastic alternative for gardeners seeking a fresh twist on a beloved classic.
Where I can buy it?
‘Star of Toscana’ is becoming increasingly popular, so you should be able to find it at many well-stocked garden centres or online specialist nurseries focusing on climbers or unusual plants. When shopping, look for healthy, well-established plants in 3-litre pots or larger. Check the foliage for good colour and signs of vigorous growth.
From Darren’s Patch
Although I don’t currently have ‘Star of Toscana’ in my garden – I grow the classic Trachelospermum jasminoides with its crisp white flowers – I’m always drawn to this buttery yellow variety when I see it in other people’s gardens. There’s something special about the soft golden tones of its blooms, especially against glossy evergreen leaves – it brings a gentle warmth to vertical spaces that are both elegant and slightly different. The scent is as heavenly as the original, making it a fantastic choice near seating areas or sunny doorways where you can enjoy it. If you’re after a reliable, fragrant climber that doesn’t demand too much attention, this one’s a beauty. Just give it the right spot and a little care in its first year or two – it’ll reward you for years to come.
Key Points to Remember:
- Yellow-flowering evergreen climber
- Grows to 8m in height
- Hardy to -10C (14F)
- Needs a sunny, sheltered position
- Highly fragrant flowers
- Suitable for containers
- Low-maintenance star of Toscana.
- Flowers throughout summer
- Bronze winter foliage
- Protected variety (PBR)
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on climbing plants for your garden, please click here.
Curious about another great variety? Take a look at Trachelospermum Jasminoides
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’?
A: It’s a stunning variety of jasmine plants, commonly known as the ‘Star of Toscana.’ This evergreen climber is cherished for its rich green foliage and fragrant white flowers that bloom in clusters over a long period.
Q: How do I care for my Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’?
A: This plant loves well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Ensure you provide a trellis for support as it climbs. Regular watering is essential, but avoid waterlogging the roots!
Q: Can I grow ‘Star of Toscana’ in a pot?
A: Absolutely! Just choose a pot size that allows for growth. You can also place it in a conservatory to enjoy its beauty year-round.
Q: What are the ideal conditions for growing Trachelospermum jasminoides?
A: These plants thrive in warm climates, similar to Tuscany. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought once established, but they appreciate a good drink during dry spells.
Q: How tall can ‘Star of Toscana’ grow?
A: With the proper care, Trachelospermum jasminoides can reach up to 8 metres in height! It’s perfect for covering walls and fences or creating a beautiful green backdrop in your garden.
Q: Do the ‘Star of Toscana’ flowers have a fragrance?
A: Yes! The star of Toscana is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. The flowers are fragrant, making them a delightful addition to any garden. You’ll enjoy the sweet scent wafting through the air during their blooming season.
Q: Is ‘Star of Toscana’ a hardy plant?
A: Yes! This variety is relatively hardy and can adapt well to different conditions, but it’s always good to check local climate recommendations. The RHS often provides guidance on the best growing practices.
Q: What colours do the flowers of Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Toscana’ come in?
A: The flowers are typically white, but they are known to have a yellowish hue at times, especially when they first bloom, giving them that lovely ‘yellow star jasmine’ vibe.
Q: Where can I buy yellow star jasmine?
A: You can buy yellow star jasmine from local nurseries, online plant shops, and Swift Plants. Just ensure you’re getting the ‘Star of Toscana’ variety for the best results!