Star of Toscane Jasmine

Trachelospermum 'Sebra'

Trachelospermum ‘Star of Toscane’ on 40% ET0 in September 2011. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

The slow start and late performance of this star jasmine was undoubtedly due to the small size of the transplants. However, by early summer this plant’s growth and quality began to show marked improvement as it attained a reasonable field size. Although quality ratings were not strongly affected by irrigation level, vigor and growth were directly proportional to the amount of water the plants received. Plants on the highest irrigation level were significantly larger than those on the three lower levels once deficit irrigation treatments began. Interestingly, the percentage of new growth put on was significantly higher on the lowest level of irrigation compared to the two highest levels by the end of the summer. It would seem that once plants have established they can continue to put on new growth, even on very low water. If it is remembered that the lowest water treatment in the shade received no supplemental irrigation after the late rain on June 28, this is indeed remarkable.

Some minor chlorosis was observed on the 80% irrigation treatment, but overall leaf quality remained fairly high throughout the growing season. Plants that seemed susceptible to pests or disease during the cold months bounced back with new growth that was mostly unbothered by May. Flowering was most pronounced in July and highest on the 40% irrigation level. If quality ratings were isolated to the August through October period, the average overall appearance ratings would have been higher (Table 28, blue highlights). We would recommend irrigation at the 40% level once transplants were well established.

Growth and Quality Data

Click Here for Complete Data Set