Asian Jasmine

Evergreen, Adaptable, and Perfect for Austin Landscapes

Asian Jasmine has become one of the most widely used groundcovers in Central Texas for good reason. With its dense, glossy evergreen foliage, it creates a lush carpet that suppresses weeds, stabilizes slopes, and thrives in tough conditions where turf struggles. Unlike many groundcovers, it adapts beautifully from full sun to deep shade, making it one of the most versatile plants for Austin.

While not a pollinator plant, Asian Jasmine shines as a low-maintenance, deer-resistant groundcover. It can even be mowed to refresh growth and keep it tidy! Left alone, it spreads aggressively by runners, making it highly effective for large-scale coverage, though it should be kept in check around delicate plantings. Beyond groundcover use, it also works spilling over retaining walls, edging paths, or in containers, and with light training it will climb fences or trellises for a green wall effect.

Varieties Useful in Austin

• Green Form: The standard, vigorous groundcover; spreads quickly to form a dense, uniform carpet. Best for large-scale coverage under trees or on slopes. Most vigorous form.
• Variegated Form: Leaves streaked or edged with creamy white; slower growing and less aggressive, perfect for brightening shaded beds or softening edges. Less aggressive.
• Tricolor Form: New foliage emerges pink before maturing to green with white variegation, giving a three-tone effect. The slowest-growing form, best appreciated in containers, borders, or small beds where its ornamental foliage can shine. Less aggressive.

Plant Specs

Mature Size: 6–12 in H, 2–4 ft W (spreading habit)
Light Requirement: Sun to Full Shade (tolerates deep shade better than most groundcovers)
Water Need: Low once established; moderate during establishment
Soil: Adaptable to most soils if well-drained
Cold Hardiness: Zone 7b (5 to 10 °F) to 11 (above 40 °F). Evergreen in most Austin winters.