Hey Cat --

that sounds like a great idea. Sharifa Asma might be a little too upright for a trellis...but then maybe you'd want to have her flank either end just to sort of help Abe out? I've kept Abe as a shrub in my garden, and while some of his canes have been strong, I've not been very impressed with the strength of most of his canes. Then again, it may not entirely be his fault -- I suspect he's not too fond of the location where I have him, and my pruning could likely also be the problem. Based on the photos I've seen in other gardens, I think it's definitely worth a shot. As you say you're looking for fragrance, I think you've made good selections!

-- John

Here's a shot of Abe in my garden this spring:
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and one of Sharifa:
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I have Abe growing on a tellis against the side of a small shed. I LOVE this big guy and wouldn't be without him. His fragrance makes me swoon. Canes are hefty but workable while young. I had problems with bs in previous years but he's looking great this year. Not that I don't have bs in my garden. This is year 3 or 4 for him and he's really come into his own.

Cat, just had another thought that might be useful for your fragrant screen --

I've found evergreen jasmine to be very complimentary to my climbing roses. Its shiny green leaves distract the eye from rose leaves spotted by our wet PNW spring, provides winter interest and also adds a wonderful frgrance in summer. I've got one intertwined with Lavender Lassie, and it really blends well with the musk scent from the rose. With Lassie winding up her spring flush, it's also nice to have the jasmine contributing flowers and fragrance until the rose is ready to dazzle again.

-- John

Hi Cat ~ I love my Abraham Darby! He sounds perfect for you. I have him growing on a trellis against our shop. He smells just heavenly too. Here's a pic I posted recently in the rose gallery. What does your trellis look like? I love when people use old ironworks for trellis'.

Abraham Darby & Souvenir de la Malmaison
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Thanks so much for all your help -- I wasn't sure how Abe would do up here. Lindy, know exactly what you mean about the fragrance - it's heavenly!
John, can you tell me more about evergreen jasmine? As in where do I find it? Evergreen AND fragrant? It sounds perfect! And if I don't use SA on the trellis, I have to find a place for her, don't think I can do without her color and fragrance. Your photo of her is gorgeous!
Pacnwgrdngirl -- The trellis is about 10' and very open and airy looking. Lots of curls and swirls. It looks like something out of "The Secret Garden" or something you might find in a Victorian garden of long ago. It was once painted white but a lot has worn off -- I'll definitely leave it that way. I'm still trying to figure out how to get it home. Once I do I'll post pictures.
Cat

Hi, Cat --

mine is a 'star jasmine' that I just picked up at a local nursery. I've seen it all over at local nurseries, Home Depot and Fred Meyer. See the link below for some additional info about the plant.

You'll have to take a picture for all of us when you've got your trellis all set up...and then again in a couple years when it's covered in blooms! :)

--John

Here is a link that might be useful: Star Jasmine info

If you have a tree and you contemplated clematis but decided not to, you can get a great look (if your zone is right), by starts of star jasmine at the roots of the tree and wind it up to where the canopy begins. It is so pretty all the time.

I grow Abe Darby as a climber on my front porch, along with his parent Aloha. Mine is 10 years old, so is very mature, and spans nearly the entire width of my porch on that side, approx. 10' - 12' wide, and 8' to 10' tall. Mine gets full sun until around 2pm, and is one supremely happy fellow. Very little disease - a bit of BS, but he shrugs it off. I think you'll be very pleased with how he does in this area, and your trellis sounds lovely!

Patricia --
I think that's a great idea. The Chinese Garden here in Portland planted star jasmine around the base of the magnolia trees lining the street outside of the garden. Though it was planted as a ground cover, I've noticed as the jasmine matures, it's gradually beginning to climb the trunks of some of the trees. I don't know whether the gardeners will let it continue to climb, but it's really beautiful...and such a nice wafting fragrance as you walk along the sidewalk.

Two things to remember about Jasmine:

1. Some varieties of it are listed as "devil plants" along with things like Morning Glory and creeping fig. They may be fine where winters kill them back, but in a mild climate they can be thugs.
2. Like some other very fragrant plants, the jasmines are not uncommon allergens. I know this, because I am one of the unfortunate victims.

Jeri Jennings

Hi Guys -- You know how sometimes you just get lucky? Today was one of those days. I found an AD way in the back. . . huge -- with four perfectly fanned canes ( all 3+') and 4(!!!) new basal canes coming in. . . Perfect for a trellis! So he came home with me :-). Spoke with the master gardener up the street. Seems we're in the Frazier River zone which takes us out of 8 and puts us into 7 -- so much for star jasmine :-((( sigh.
Thanks so much for all the help. It's truly appreciated.
Smiles,
Cat