Carolina Jessamine plant profile
Gelsemium sempervirens
A perennial ornamental for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Carolina Jessamine
Carolina jessamine is an evergreen native twining vine, the state flower of South Carolina, that covers itself in fragrant canary-yellow trumpet flowers in late winter to early spring (NC State: February to May), sometimes reblooming in fall. Plant in spring or fall in moist, rich, well-drained soil in full sun for best flowering; prune for shape soon after it finishes blooming. ALL parts are highly toxic, and its pollen is harmful to honeybees.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Carolina Jessamine in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Soil pH
- 6 to 8
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Zones 6a to 10bFind my hardiness zone
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: highly toxic all parts, toxic to honeybees, high flammability.
Next steps
Continue with Carolina Jessamine
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine, Yellow Jessamine)
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (NC State Extension). Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.