Jasmine Trachelospermum - limiting its growth

pjwizon

I'd like to grow a pot planted Jasminoides Trachelospermum by and over the front door porch of my house. Can the growth of this plant be successfully limited? I don't want the plant to take over and become entwined with guttering, block light etc, and will probably need to limit its growth by occasionally removing/training stems etc. If it has a reputation as a vigorous grower it's probably not the plant for this location, but if it's a manageable plant them it'll probably be OK.

It's a common plant so I'm hoping someone can advise.

Thanks 

Plantminded

The size of the pot will limit the plant's root growth and thus also limit the growth of stems and foliage.  Like all plants grown in a pot, it will need regular maintenance, including pruning as well as feeding and watering.  There's some good information in this GW link, including tips on pot size: How To Grow Star Jasmine, Trachelospermum Jasminoides - BBC Gardeners World Magazine

Pete.8

So long as it's planted in a sunny aspect it will be ok. Also bear in mind that they're not hardy throughout the UK.
They can grow into huge plants - about 40ft x 25ft, so give it the biggest pot you can.
When flowering is almost over - it sends out masses of lanky new growth - that would be the time to keep it in check. Prune the new growth back as hard as you need to.

They use a LOT of water when they're growing and if it gets dry for a while in summer I often found that scale insects would infest the plant - not a major problem, but a bit unsightly. Feed once every week or two when it's growing.

I had one in a raised border (with no access to soil below) about 6ft long and 2ft deep and wide on a west facing fence - it thrived for many years until I had the house extended. The scent in the summer was almost too much.

PS - the sticky white sap is a skin irritant, so best to wear gloves when pruning, though it never caused me problems