Gelsemium s. 'Margarita' is a cold hardy selection of Carolina Jessamine prized for its profuse fragrant golden yellow trumpet shaped flowers that bloom heavily in spring and intermittently through summer. This evergreen vine boasts glossy deep green foliage and twining stems that are ideal for arbors, fences, and trellises. Its vigorous growth habit and ability to tolerate light shade make it a versatile choice for temperate gardens where winter hardy vines are limited.
Height & Spread: 10 - 20 ft x 3 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Spring with sporadic rebloom in summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; occasional deep watering in dry periods
Deer Resistance: Generally resistant due to toxic alkaloids
Native Status
'Margarita' is a cultivated variety derived from the native Gelsemium sempervirens, which is indigenous to the southeastern United States.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts early season pollinators such as bumblebees and carpenter bees seeking tubular blossoms in spring.
Butterflies
- Supports nectar feeding for swallowtails and other large spring butterflies.
Birds
- Dense evergreen foliage offers cover and nesting support for small birds like wrens and chickadees.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 4 - 6 ft apart at base of support structure for optimal coverage and airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Best used on arbors, pergolas, and fences or allowed to sprawl along slopes for erosion control with seasonal color.
Companion Plants
- Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) - Shares evergreen foliage and fragrant blooms while blooming at slightly different times to extend scent interest.
- Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler' - Native honeysuckle vine with coral red blooms that draw hummingbirds alongside the yellow Gelsemium flowers.
- Passiflora incarnata (Maypop) - Adds exotic blooms and supports pollinators while offering layered growth in mixed vine compositions.
- Rosa 'Iceberg' (Climbing Rose) - White repeat blooming roses add elegance and complement the yellow tones of 'Margarita'.
- Clematis 'Jackmanii' - Deep purple flowers provide a rich color contrast and intertwine well with Gelsemium without competition.