Gelsemium sempervirens
evening trumpet flower
An evergreen perennial to 4m, with slender twining stems bearing glossy ovate leaves and small clusters of funnel-shaped, fragrant, pale or deep yellow flowers 3cm in length, marked with orange in throat
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Gelsemiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (poultry): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Gelsemium are twining evergreen perennials with simple, paired leaves and fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers that maybe solitary or in small clusters in spring and summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C Americas
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full or bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water freely when in growth applying a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Can be grown outdoors in milder areas in most moderately fertile soils but will require protection from cold drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13 to 18°C in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 12, after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.