The long, languorous days of spring offer their own kind of joy, but before the season begins in earnest, there's something I savor above all else: patio weather. And the most crucial thing of all is being able to relax on my patio, enveloped in long-lasting scent.
After a long winter, I love nothing more than stepping outside to relish the sunshine. So, in preparation for these wonderful moments, I've been busy getting my outdoor space in order – and it all starts with making sure my patio smells nice.
There are, of course, plenty of plants to consider when it comes to both fragrance and beauty, but experts recommend starting with one in particular: star jasmine, or Trachelospermum jasminoides.
Why Add Star Jasmine to Your Patio?
Our Head of Gardens, Rachel Bull, swears by star jasmine to provide a gorgeous, long-lasting scent that's perfect for those heady spring days and warm evenings.
'I have grown star jasmine on my patio for almost a decade and I would never be without it now,' Rachel explains. 'It has an unmistakable, rich vanilla scent.'
Admittedly, learning how to prune star jasmine is crucial, as it can be tricky to keep it under control if grown in the ground rather than a pot – but once you master the maintenance, you'll be richly rewarded. You can purchase beautiful star jasmine vine shrubs at My Perfect Plants.)
Providing a strong fragrance and a lovely, delicate look, star jasmine is perfect for trailing over trellises and fences – and since it's a classic climber plant which uses vertical space, it's ideal for small patios.
Star jasmine is a brilliant choice in the spring, when we all begin to spend more time outside, but it's also impressively versatile; it even makes a reliable winter climber idea, since it won't lose its leaves.
'The scent of star jasmine intensifies in the evenings and reminds me of balmy summer nights at home – but its evergreen foliage provides interest and freshness in the colder seasons,' says Rachel.
How Best to Grow Star Jasmine on a Patio
'I have always planted my star jasmine in containers, so that I can move them around,' says Rachel. 'This was ideal when we moved house several years ago, and I was able to bring them with me.'
If you do use containers or pots, you can wait a year or two before you'll need to re-pot and replenish the soil.
'I have found that star jasmine does need re-potting every two years if you grow it this way, as the soil eventually begins to lack nutrients,' Rachel reflects. 'Plus, in a new, bigger pot, they will continue to put on new growth and produce more flowers.'
How to Take Care of Star Jasmine on a Patio
If you're thinking of adding star jasmine to your patio or yard, experts suggest planting it during the spring. It will flower later in the season, and it should be pruned after this period (either in late spring or early summer).
When it comes to regular maintenance, star jasmine is blissfully simple: it will regrow quickly after pruning, keeping your space looking glorious and verdant.
According to Rachel, you don't need to worry too much about precision, but sunlight and temperature are – as ever – important to consider.
'Star jasmine really does like being in a position with lots of direct sunlight and warmth,' she explains.
The final piece of the puzzle? Moisture – even with spring showers on the horizon. (Investing in a moisture meter, like this one from Amazon, will save you a lot of second-guessing.)
'I've found that getting the watering right is the key to a healthy star jasmine plant,' Rachel says. 'Too little water and I've had lots of leaves turning red and falling off my plants.'
What to Shop
This sturdy trellis can be adjusted to fit any space. You can use it to train climbing plants like star jasmine, but it can also serve as a fence, divider or outdoor privacy screen.
Star jasmine plants are guaranteed to bring a stunning scent to your patio this spring. They are easy to grow and maintain, but they'll work hard in any sunny outdoor space.
If you're looking to upgrade your garden tools, these are widely regarded as the best pruners on the market. They're durable, comfortable, and every part can be replaced.
Every keen gardener needs a reliable belt to hold their essential gardening tools. This one has an adjustable strap and four pockets. It's also made from denim, making it a particularly durable pick.
These gardening gloves are as chic as they are practical. Their long sleeves will provide plenty of protection when you're out in the garden – and I love the classic floral design.
Garden twine is a staple in any gardener's arsenal, and it's always great to have on hand. Use it to carefully train plants like star jasmine to climb along trellises and fences.
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