Bonsai Beginnings: -sai

A dwarf variety of Trachelospermum asiaticum
has very small leaves with more compact growth
Started 1980

Variegated Asiatic Jasmine

Teika Kazura
Faux Jasmine - Trachelospermum asiaticum

A dwarf star jasmine with small yellow and green variegated leaves evergreen small-growing vine with glossy leaves that are much smaller than those of the standard Trachelospermum asiaticum.

Quite similar to the false jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides, T. asiaticum produces flowers with a slightly smaller yellow heart (or cream). It has faster growth in the early years and is a bit more rustic

New growth is pinkish-bronze.

Despite its common name, Asiatic Jasmine

is not related to the true jasmines

The plant has a tight, compact growth with ovate to elliptic leaves ranging from quite tiny to around 1/4 inch in length.

at 34 years from a cutting

If unpruned it will climb or crawl on the ground, but it can be pruned to make a miniature shrub. When treated this way it makes a nice bonsai. A popular bonsai subject in Japan but not seen very often in the US.

Usage: Container, Ground-cover, Hanging Basket, Rock Garden, Wall, Topiary, Bonsai , Espalier

Drought Tolerant

USDA Zone 7-10.

strongly scented cream-colored flowers

This vine, Teika kazura, was named after the poet Fujiwara no Teika. “Teika” is a Noh Play written by Konparu Zenchiku about the rumored love affair between the poets Fujiwara no Teika and Shikishi Naishinnō, daughter of Goshirakawa, Emperor of Japan. To symbolize Teika’s clinging obsession for Princess Shikishi—even after their death—the grave of the princess placed in the middle of the stage and blanketed by a Asiatic jasmine.

String of Beads: Complete Poems of Princess Shikishi

Teika: The Life and Works of a Medieval Japanese Poet

Kazura means creeping plant, climbing plant