Lawn Guardian

Carolina Jessamine Care Guide

Gelsemium sempervirens

vineZones 7–10nativedeer resistant

Native evergreen vine with fragrant bright yellow funnel flowers in late winter to early spring. One of the first flowers of the season in the South. State flower of South Carolina.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Prune after flowering After bloom

Shape and thin immediately after bloom ends. Prune before summer to avoid cutting next year's flower buds.

Summer

Guide growth onto support Throughout summer

Train new growth along fence, mailbox, arbor, or trellis.

Fall

Do not prune Fall reminder

Flower buds are already set. Pruning in fall or winter removes spring blooms.

Ecological value

Early-blooming native vine providing nectar for early-season pollinators. Evergreen foliage provides year-round wildlife cover.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns