Carolina Jessamine
Gelsemium sempervirens (hardy) ‘Margarita’
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Carolina jessamine is the state flower of South Carolina and one of the most beloved evergreen vines of the South, prized for the wash of fragrant yellow trumpets that opens the gardening year. 'Margarita' is the cold-hardy answer to that beauty, a selection that carries the same sweet-scented gold well north of where the species usually gives out.
Named by Gene Cline, a true native-plant pioneer, from a plant found in northern Georgia, 'Margarita' has proven hardy and grown well as far north as Washington, DC, holding evergreen where ordinary Carolina jessamine would sulk or freeze. The bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers are fragrant and generous, opening in late winter and early spring with a scattering of repeat bloom in fall.
Beyond the extra cold nerve, this is the familiar jessamine in every good way: a well-mannered twining vine, evergreen, tolerant of a range of soils and sites, and happiest in a sunny spot with little competition. The glossy foliage gives structure the year round, and the vine climbs a fence, a trellis, a post, or an arbor with an easy, non-clinging grace.
Give 'Margarita' full sun to part shade and ordinary, well-drained soil, and the plant asks little once established. One honest caution belongs with the fragrance: like all jessamines, every part of Gelsemium sempervirens is poisonous if eaten, so site the vine away from where small children or pets might be tempted by the flowers.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 6–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 10–20 Feet · Spread 6–8 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
Fragrant golden yellow, late winter to early spring, sometimes again in fall
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.