Jasminum officinale 'Fiona Sunrise'

A Golden Dawn for the Garden

There are some plants whose stories root as deeply as their vines—Jasminum officinale ‘Fiona Sunrise’ is one such tale, a luminous selection first spotted by Bob McCartney in a flush of golden brilliance at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, Virginia. At the time, he called it simply ‘Golden’—a fitting name, perhaps, for its radiant chartreuse foliage that blazes like the first light over the Sandhills. But time, as in all good Southern stories, brought revelation.

Turns out, this golden-leaved jasmine had already been christened ‘Fiona Sunrise’, a name now wrapped in serendipity for the new caretaker of Woodlanders—a Fiona herself—who, like the plant, brings a fresh glow to the legacy of rare and remarkable plants. The synchronicity is as sweet as the jasmine’s perfume.

A vigorous deciduous vine with graceful, twining stems and delicate white flowers that release their fragrance most potently in the evening air, Fiona Sunrise turns heads with its foliage alone. New leaves emerge in rich hues of gold and chartreuse, catching sunlight like a spun-glass halo. Over time, they soften into green, but not before lighting up a trellis, fence, or arbor with spring's promise.

Plant it where it can bask in full sun to part shade, and give it room to climb—it will reward you with fast growth and an intoxicating floral display from late spring into summer. In the landscape, it pairs beautifully with deep purple-leaved companions or against dark evergreen backdrops, where its gold foliage gleams like candlelight at dusk.

In truth, Bob’s original name—Golden—wasn’t far off. But now we know better. Fiona Sunrise it is. A name of destiny.

Highlights:

• Unique golden-yellow foliage

• Fragrant white flowers with classic jasmine perfume

• Blooms in warm seasons; attracts pollinators

• Ideal for brightening mixed borders or containers

• Grows well in full sun to part shade; prefers well-drained soil

• A standout ornamental jasmine with year-round visual appeal