Gelsemium sempervirens. http://www.colesvillenursery.com/plant/gelsemium-sempervirens-butterscotch.
Of all the subtropical bloomers I plan to cover, this one happens to be the only truly native one, but how fitting it is we get such a darling vine as our one true native plant! As a matter of fact- this plant is so common to the Southern tier of the United States that it is the state flower of South Carolina, and dawns every trellis from Spartanburg to Charleston. In Little Rock, Arkansas, (where my uncle lives) I’ve noticed a few flowers blooming around Thanksgiving, but the real crescendo happens from late February on. In truth, this vine is native from the highlands of Guatemala up to Virginia, so its bloom period could be noted as during the dry season; thus in warmer climes its an all-winter affair. If you’re not quite tropical, like most of the south, you will only see blooms on warmer days in winter, where the cheery yellow blossoms are a great match for the pale winter sun.
The good news about this plant is that during its bloom period, it is smothered with flowers that is a true sight to behold- the vine practically turns yellow from all the flowers! The bad news is that it happens to be rather toxic, so its not a plant you want around if you happen to have curious children or pets that might pick at or eat the various plant parts. I would even tell people to avoid having it as an indoor or greenhouse plant for this matter and go for the actual Jasmines if you want a fragrant vining plant as household companion. It does however make an excellent trellis specimen if you happen to find yourself in zone 7 and south! It certainly makes a statement with both sight and scent and is prize-winning landscape companion worth the spot in the manicured southern garden.
The scent overall is very candy-like. To me it has that standard subtropical winter-bloomer sweetness that is redolent of sugary jawbreakers, or perhaps a light hyacinth essence. Its definitely a clear, liveable smell, without the ability to cloy, but its not one of my favorites by a long-shot. It does carry well and is perceptible from yards away when bedecked with blooms, and certainly a standard in the fragrant garden. If I had a pergola and happened to be located in the south, I would certainly grow it, but with other climbers for more year-round interest. Outside the bloom period, it has very nice dark green leaves, but the real interest point is certainly the flowers. They are fragrant only by day (unlike their namesake, true Jasmine), so enjoy while the sun is out, as a nice winter blessing!
Fragrant Earth 