Valley Lights Variegated Star Jasmine

Valley Lights Variegated Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Valley Lights') is a variegated evergreen twining plant that works as a groundcover, low hedge or climber. Glossy green leaves are splashed with golden yellow all year, and highly perfumed white star flowers open in summer and autumn. It stays about 0.5m high, spreads 2m to 4m wide and is less vigorous than the green leaved form.

Why you'll love it

• Gold splashed leaves. Glossy, multi toned green leaves carry splashes of golden yellow and cream all year, a gentle variegation rather than a garish one.
• Winter colour. In cool weather the foliage often takes on rich reddish orange tones.
• Highly perfumed flowers. White, star like flowers open in summer and autumn and fill the air with scent.
• Less rampant. It is less vigorous than the plain green star jasmine, so it suits smaller spaces and is easier to keep in bounds.
• Very versatile. Use it as a border groundcover, clip it to a very low hedge, or train it up a wall, arbour or pergola.

Where it works best

Border groundcover. Plant 1m apart along a border or bed edge, where it spreads 2m to 4m wide over time.

Very low hedge. Clipped regularly, 40cm apart in a row, it forms a very low, perfumed hedge along a path.

Walls, arbours and pergolas. It twines, so tie in the leaders and it climbs a wall or arbour. It also grows well in containers.

Growing Valley Lights Variegated Star Jasmine in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Protect it from frost: choose a sheltered position, and in frosty districts grow it against a warm wall or in a pot under cover. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens and Mediterranean climates with mild winters.

Soil. Well drained soil, or a quality potting mix in containers.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it needs only occasional watering in dry spells. A light spring feed of slow release fertiliser supports growth.

Pruning. Prune as required to maintain a tidy appearance, and clip regularly if you are growing it as a very low hedge. The milky sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when you prune.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Valley Lights as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with the variegation clear from the first leaves, so plant it into mulched, well drained soil and keep it watered until it is growing strongly.

Tube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have it. When there is none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Jasmines and star jasmine
• Plants for small gardens
• Star jasmine as climber, groundcover and green wall
• Variegated star jasmine as an easy groundcover

Common questions

Is Valley Lights less vigorous than ordinary star jasmine?

Yes. It is less vigorous than the green leaved form, which makes it ideal for smaller spaces and easier to keep in bounds.

Can I clip it as a hedge?

Yes, as a very low hedge. Plant 40cm apart and clip regularly. For a larger hedge, a taller plant is the better choice.

Does it need frost protection?

Yes. Protect it from frost, with a sheltered spot, a warm wall or a pot under cover in frosty districts.