Madison Confederate Jasmine. Jane Symmes owned and operated with her daughter Jeanne, one of my favorite nurseries in Madison, GA. which is now closed. Mrs. Symmes tells the story that one of her acquaintances in the town of Madison told her that she should be growing Confederate Jasmine. But she dutifully reminded her that it would not be hardy for her here in Madison. But her friend said that she had one that had been growing at her home in Madison for over 150 years! Upon checking this out, Mrs. Symmes started growing this selection which has truly proven to be much more cold hardy than the species. It has the same oval dark green shiny leaves and the intoxicatingly fragrant panicles of flowers in May and June as the species. But the leaf appears to be more thick and leathery. There are a number of clones which I have found in the trade that are masquerading under the name 'Madison,' but a sure way of telling whether it is the real McCoy, is to lightly rub the undersides of the leaves. If it feels like velvet, then you have Madison Jasmine. Otherwise, the species has smooth, slick undersides to its leaves. This is a magnificent arbor subject where it can display its flowers and fragrance to the max. But here in Augusta at the Medical College of Georgia, it is used extensively as a deep groundcover, where it will cover itself with its fragrant flowers each spring.
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