The Chirimen is a little-known but amazing variety of Asian Star Jasmine that is extremely popular in Japan. This is a spreading vine, but can easily be shaped into a tree form. To ensure that our customers get the best genetics, our Chirimen are all cuttings taken from imported bonsai, one of which was displayed in the Kokufu exhibition. Grown from cuttings at Kaede Bonsai-en, these trees are well established in 2 1/4" containers.
*please note these have got larger since first offering them for sale several years ago. We haven’t changed the price but they are in the 5-6 year range since potting them. Long runners, roots blasting out the bottom. Truly a great species to grow as bonsai.
Common Name(s): Chirimen, Chirimen Star Asian Jasmine, Chirimen Kazura
Latin Name: Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Chirimen'
Type: Broad-leaf evergreen vine
Native to: Japan, Korea, South China, Vietnam
Climate: Outside, the Chirimen prefers Zones 8-11, however we grow them very successfully in Zone 7 with winter protection (unheated cold frame). We are also aware of growers having success in Zone 6 using similar winter protection.
Care: These are vigorous growers that grow in a spreading vine form. In order to thicken the trunk, it is recommended to let runners grow out to 18", then cut them back to 6". Keep an eye on plants adjacent to your Chirimen as the runners will root into the soil of adjacent pots.
Size: 3-4” tall, they may have a runners that are 6-12" long.