How to Fertilise Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

Star jasmine rewards steady care with glossy evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers, but only if it receives the right nutrition. Feeding at the correct time with a balanced fertiliser ensures it grows vigorously, covers fences or trellises quickly, and flowers for longer. In Australia, the best routine is to fertilise in early spring and again after the first flush of blooms. For potted plants, lighter but more frequent applications are essential. The most dependable formula is CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20, used at 4 ml per litre of water.

At a Glance: Feeding Star Jasmine

Best fertiliser: Balanced NPK — CompleteGrow 20-20-20 liquid feed
Seasonal timing (in-ground): Early spring and post–first flush; optional late-summer top-up
Seasonal timing (pots): Every 4–6 weeks from spring through summer
Application rate: 4 ml per litre of water, always applied to moist soil
Ideal soil: Free-draining, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0)
Supporting care: Mulch 5–8 cm to regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture

Quick Fix: If your star jasmine looks pale or flowers less than usual, check watering, correct any drainage issues, and apply CompleteGrow 20-20-20 to restore vitality.

How to Recognise a Nutrient Deficiency

Star jasmine leaves are a strong visual indicator of plant health. Uniform yellowing often suggests a nitrogen shortfall, while yellow edges with brown tips can signal potassium deficiency. If the plant produces long shoots but very few flowers, it usually means phosphorus is lacking or feeding has been irregular. A sluggish start in spring or weak regrowth after pruning is another clear sign that the plant needs a nutrient boost. Always check soil moisture first, since drought or waterlogging can mimic fertiliser problems by blocking root uptake.

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Why Balanced Fertiliser is the Best for Star Jasmine

Star jasmine is often mistaken for a plant that thrives without attention, but consistent, balanced nutrition is essential to maintain its trademark glossy leaves and reliable flowering. The plant is a heavy feeder during active growth and quickly shows stress if nutrients are uneven. High-nitrogen fertilisers such as lawn feeds push rapid leaf growth at the expense of flowers, leaving vines dense with foliage but lacking fragrance. To avoid this imbalance, the key is a 1:1:1 fertiliser ratio that keeps all three major nutrients in harmony:

Nitrogen (N): Fuels fresh shoots and maintains deep green foliage; too much can suppress flowers.
Phosphorus (P): Encourages root expansion and flower initiation, ensuring buds are set each spring.
Potassium (K): Enhances flower colour, fragrance, and drought tolerance, while helping resist leaf scorch in hot weather.

CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 is formulated with this exact balance, meaning the plant receives what it needs for every growth stage. It is especially effective because it is a liquid concentrate, which moves quickly into the root zone, producing faster results than slow-release pellets alone.

Seasonal Feeding Guide for Australian Conditions

Feeding schedules vary depending on climate zones across Australia, but the growth pattern of star jasmine remains consistent. The plant awakens in early spring, builds momentum through summer, and slows in cooler months. Feeding at the right intervals supports these cycles:

Spring (September–October): First heavy feed to break dormancy and fuel rapid shoot growth.
Late spring/early summer (November–December): Second feed after the first wave of flowering — critical for repeat blooms and dense foliage.
Late summer (February): Optional light feed if plants appear tired or are in exposed, fast-draining soils.
Autumn–winter: Feeding is paused as growth slows; focus shifts to soil moisture and mulch protection.

Potted star jasmine requires closer attention because nutrients leach quickly. A liquid feed every 4–6 weeks in the warm season ensures continuous performance, preventing yellowing leaves and reduced flowers often seen in container-grown plants.

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Step-by-Step Feeding Method

In-Ground Star Jasmine

Water first: Always moisten the soil before applying fertiliser to prevent root burn and improve uptake.
Mix fertiliser: Dilute 4 ml CompleteGrow 20-20-20 per 1 litre of water in a watering can or sprayer.
Apply evenly: Pour around the base, targeting the dripline where feeder roots are most active.
Follow up: Lightly water again to move nutrients deeper into the soil profile, then mulch 5–8 cm thick to stabilise moisture and temperature.

Potted Star Jasmine

Choose the right potting mix: Use a premium free-draining mix; avoid soils that stay soggy.
Feed consistently: Apply the same dilution (4 ml/L) every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer, adjusting based on growth strength.
Flush salts: Water deeply until excess drains from the base at least once a month to prevent salt build-up.
Refresh soil: Replace the top 3–5 cm of potting mix annually to keep nutrient levels balanced.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Using high-N lawn fertiliser: Produces excessive foliage and weakens flowering performance.
Fertilising dry soil: Reduces nutrient uptake and risks root damage; always pre-water.
Neglecting drainage: Waterlogged roots mimic deficiencies; correct the soil before feeding.
Skipping post-bloom feeding: Limits the plant’s ability to produce repeat flowers later in summer.

CompleteGrow Recommendation

To achieve glossy foliage, fast growth, and long flowering windows, feed with CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20. Apply at 4 ml per litre in early spring and after flowering, and every 4–6 weeks for container plants. This ensures balanced nutrition, resilient roots, and stronger, more fragrant flowers compared to generic fertilisers.

Quick FAQs

What is the best fertiliser for star jasmine? A balanced liquid fertiliser such as CompleteGrow 20-20-20.
How often should I fertilise? In-ground: twice yearly (spring and post-bloom); pots: every 4–6 weeks in the growing season.
Do I need slow-release as well? Pellets can be used as a base, but supplementing with CompleteGrow liquid ensures faster correction of deficiencies and better flower production.