Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Hatsuyukikazura’ ("Hatsuyukikazura")

Japanese name: ハツユキカズラ （初雪葛）
Scientific name: Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Hatsuyukikazura’

[Overview]
A cultivar of Teikakazura (Trachelospermum asiaticum); an evergreen woody climber.
The wild species extends long vines and climbs trees and rock walls using aerial roots, but this cultivar stays compact.
Young branches are often hairy.
Leaves are simple and opposite, elliptic, entire, and glossy on the upper surface.
The leaf color changes as it grows: new shoots are pale pink, gradually turn white, then become green with white blotches, and finally turn solid green.
The leaves turn red when temperatures drop.
Cymes bear sparse flowers 1.5–2.5 cm across.
The corolla is 5-lobed and twisted in one direction; it is white and turns yellowish as it ages.
The flowers are fragrant.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings or layering; both are easy.
It prefers sun to partial shade and well-drained, moderately moist, fertile soil.
Poor sunlight weakens the color of the variegation, but direct summer sun can scorch the leaves, so it is best to move potted plants to partial shade in summer.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilizer is not particularly necessary if a base fertilizer is applied, but for potted plants, slow-release chemical fertilizer may be placed on the soil or liquid fertilizer given in spring and autumn.
It tolerates pruning, so cutting back can be used to shape the plant or to encourage new shoots and enjoy the variety of leaf colors.
Flower buds form in summer, so frequent pruning prevents flowering; if you want to enjoy the flowers, prune only immediately after flowering.
If branches with only solid green leaves appear, this is a reversion to the wild species, so cut off the whole branch.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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