Growing Jasmine: How To Feed It + My Experience

Jasmine plants are super hard and will survive the harshest of Winters. That said, if they’re not cared for properly, they’ll grow red leaves, very few blooms and won’t give you the results you so desperately desire.

So, in this article, I’m telling you exactly how to care for your jasmine so they can thrive right through the growing season. I’ll also tell you the mistakes I made when I bought mine way back in 2017,

Then I’ll suggest some tips on where to plant them and how much sunlight they really need to grow nice fragrant blooms.

For years, I struggled with growing star jasmine. I had two plants set up in a trough with a back stand to help create a bit of privacy from the road outside.

The idea? To bring greenery and fragrance into a useful space. But for the longest time, they just wouldn’t thrive.

The leaves were often red, they didn’t grow much, and flowers were few and far between. The truth is, I simply didn’t know what they needed.

Now, a few years on, they’re the healthiest they’ve ever been. They bloom beautifully, with strong green growth, and they require very little maintenance.

Looking back, the difference came down to understanding a few key things about jasmine and making the right changes. Hopefully, sharing what I’ve learned will help others avoid the same early mistakes.

First, Let’s look The Different Types of Jasmine Plant

There are several types of jasmine, and each has its quirks:

My two plants are star jasmine, which are well-suited to containers and have that unmistakable sweet scent. They’re hardy enough for UK climates but definitely benefit from the right setup—especially if you’re growing them indoors or in partially sheltered areas.

• Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) – Blooms from June to September and like slightly acidic soil
• Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) – Deciduous climber with highly fragrant white flowers, ideal for outdoor spaces.
• Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) – The one used in perfumes and teas; more tropical, so best grown indoors or in greenhouses in the UK.
• Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) – Yellow-flowered and not fragrant, but blooms in winter and can handle colder conditions.

What Went Wrong (and What I Learned) With Growing My Jasmine Plants

At first, I simply didn’t feed them. I thought good soil and watering were enough. But star jasmine, like many container plants, really benefit from a consistent source of nutrients. Their soil doesn’t have the same regenerative power as garden beds, and over time, it becomes depleted.

I also didn’t realise that jasmine prefers slightly acidic soil. Without that, the roots can’t take up nutrients properly—even if you’re feeding them. I had constant issues with red leaves, which, as I later found out, is a common sign of nutrient deficiency and/or unsuitable soil pH.

4 Things That Changed Everything With Growing My Jasmine Plants

1. Proper Feeding

I started using Relentless Gardener Super Boost Slow Release Plant Feed. It’s granular and ideal for long-term feeding. Once I started incorporating this into the soil mix, I noticed stronger growth within weeks.

2. Acidic Soil Management

This was a game-changer. I introduced:

• Ericaceous compost – Essential for maintaining that low pH environment jasmine prefers.
• Acidifying tonic – I now use Relentless Gardener’s acidifying tonic mixed with water and apply it occasionally, especially after periods of heavy watering with tap water (which tends to be alkaline in many parts of the UK).

I also check the soil pH every so often. It doesn’t have to be scientific—a simple soil pH tester does the job. If the soil starts trending too alkaline, I add more tonic or ericaceous compost.

3. Right Light & Moisture

I made sure both plants get morning and afternoon sun, which has helped with blooming. Although they’re indoors, they sit near bright windows. The trough they grow in has good drainage, but I keep an eye on moisture levels. I aim for the soil to stay moist but not soggy.

4. One Less Problem: Slugs

One great thing about star jasmine? Slugs seem to leave them alone. That’s one less battle to fight compared to other soft-leaved garden plants.

Now, both plants are growing strong and flowering like never before. The leaves are healthy and green, there’s vigorous climbing growth on the supports, and the sweet fragrance fills the air during the warmer months.

The best part? It’s now pretty low-maintenance. But as any gardener will tell you, low-maintenance doesn’t mean no knowledge. Once you know what a plant needs, caring for it can become second nature.

Do Star Jasmine Plants Grow in Shade?

• This is a common question—and one I had myself in the early days: Can star jasmine grow in shade? The short answer is yes, but with limitations.
• Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) can tolerate partial shade, but it really thrives in full sun to partial sun. While the plant may still grow in a shadier spot, you’ll likely notice slower growth, fewer flowers, and less fragrance. Flowering, in particular, is heavily influenced by how much light the plant receives.
• In my case, I grow two star jasmine plants outdoors in a trough with a back stand, forming part of a privacy screen facing the road. They get a good amount of morning and afternoon sun, which has made a huge difference in how well they grow and flower. Once I improved the soil and feeding, the extra sunlight helped them bounce back and really thrive.
• If your planting area is in full shade, star jasmine might survive, but don’t expect much in the way of flowering. It’ll stay green, but growth will be slower, and the signature white blooms may be sparse. If you can, aim for at least 4–6 hours of sunlight a day—especially during the warmer months—to really get the best out of the plant.

Where to Plant Jasmine: Pots, Fences, Arches and More

One of the great things about jasmine—particularly star jasmine—is its versatility. Once you understand its basic needs (sunlight, well-drained soil, and slightly acidic conditions), you can get creative with where and how to grow it. Here are some tried-and-tested options:

🌿 1. In Pots or Troughs

This is exactly how I grow mine. I have two star jasmine plants growing outdoors in a trough with a back stand, forming part of a privacy fence facing the road. It’s worked brilliantly because I can control the soil mix (adding ericaceous compost and feed as needed) and easily manage drainage.

Tips:

• Choose a deep container to allow room for root growth.
• Use well-draining ericaceous compost.
• Place in a spot with morning or afternoon sun—even better if it’s sheltered from harsh wind.

🪴 2. Against a Fence or Wall

Star jasmine is a climber, so it’s ideal for growing against a sunny fence or south-facing wall. The added warmth from the wall can even encourage more flowering.

Tips:

• Provide support, like trellis or wire for it to cling to.
• Allow space at the base for roots to spread—don’t cram it into a narrow border.
• Make sure it gets at least 4–6 hours of sun.

🌸 3. On an Arch or Pergola

If you’re looking to create a beautiful feature in the garden, training jasmine over an archway or pergola is a fantastic option. You’ll get the benefit of scented flowers overhead and a natural, romantic look.

Tips:

• Make sure the structure is strong—star jasmine gets woody as it matures.
• Start training young stems early by tying them gently to the frame.
• Place the arch where it will receive partial to full sun.

🌤️ Bonus: Ground Cover (in warmer climates)

Although less common in the UK, in very mild areas or warmer climates, jasmine can even be used as a ground cover, especially varieties like Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum). That said, in the UK, you’re far better off giving it something to climb.

If you’re thinking of growing star jasmine, don’t be discouraged by a slow or rocky start. With the right care, they really do become some of the most rewarding and fragrant plants to grow—indoors or out.