Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’ (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’ (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’ is a highly decorative evergreen climber known for its soft variegated foliage and seasonal colour changes. A refined form of star jasmine, it combines delicate pink, cream, and green tones, creating a lighter, more ornamental effect compared to the standard green variety.

This plant is widely used in feature planting, climbing applications, and soft ground coverage where a more refined, colourful foliage palette is desired.

Key Specifications

Botanical name: Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Tricolour’
Common name: Tricolour Star Jasmine
Plant type: Evergreen climber / groundcover

Mature height: 2 to 4 metres (as a climber)
Mature width: 1.5 to 2 metres

Growth rate: Moderate
Time to maturity: Approximately 3 to 5 years

Foliage and Colour

The standout feature of Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’ is its constantly changing foliage colour.

Leaves are:

Small, oval-shaped, and dense
Variegated with green, cream, and soft pink tones
New growth often flushed pink
Matures to green with creamy margins

Seasonal variation enhances its appeal, with cooler weather often intensifying the pink hues. This shifting colour palette makes it ideal for adding contrast and softness to planting schemes.

Growth Habit

Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’ is a versatile plant that can be grown in multiple ways.

As a climber:

Trained along fences, trellises, or walls
Forms a soft, layered vertical cover

As a groundcover:

Spreads horizontally to create a dense, low mat
Useful for covering slopes or softening edges

It has a twining growth habit and benefits from support when grown vertically.

Light Requirements

Performs best in full sun to partial shade.

Full sun:
Enhances colour contrast and encourages compact growth

Partial shade:
Maintains good foliage colour with slightly softer tones

Suitable for a wide range of garden positions.

Watering Requirements

Responds well to consistent watering, particularly during establishment.

During establishment:
Water regularly to support root development

Once established:
Water weekly or as needed depending on conditions

In warmer periods:
Additional watering encourages lush, healthy foliage

Consistent moisture supports vibrant colour and steady growth.

Soil Preferences

Prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Suitable for:

Loam soils
Sandy soils
Improved clay soils

Adapts well to different soil types while maintaining strong performance.

Pruning and Maintenance

Easy to maintain and highly responsive to pruning.

Light pruning encourages dense, tidy growth
Can be shaped to suit climbing structures or groundcover use
Trimming helps maintain desired size and form

Minimal effort required to keep a neat appearance.

Fertilising

Benefits from regular feeding to support healthy growth.

Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser during the growing season
Organic matter such as compost or mulch enhances performance

Feeding promotes stronger growth and improved foliage colour.

Flowering Features

Produces small, star-shaped white flowers with a light fragrance, typically in warmer months.

Adds seasonal interest
Complements the soft variegated foliage

While attractive, the foliage remains the primary feature.

Spacing Guide

For groundcover:

Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart

For climbing applications:

Spacing can vary depending on support structure

Closer spacing results in quicker coverage.

Landscaping Uses

Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’ is ideal for:

Climbing over fences and trellises
Softening walls and vertical surfaces
Groundcover in garden beds
Feature planting in pots and containers
Adding colour contrast to green landscapes

Its soft tones make it especially effective in modern and coastal designs.

Longevity and Performance

A long-lasting and reliable plant that performs consistently over time.

Maintains dense foliage and colour variation year-round
Suitable for long-term landscape use
Provides both structure and softness in garden design

Summary

Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’ is a versatile evergreen climber or groundcover featuring variegated foliage in shades of green, cream, and pink. Growing to approximately 2–4 metres as a climber, it establishes steadily over 3–5 years and provides soft, decorative coverage.

With its changing foliage colour, manageable growth, and adaptability, it is an excellent choice for adding visual interest and texture to a wide range of landscape applications.