Late Summer Blazing Star, Heralding the Arrival of Autumn [Golden Dew's Arboretum Gardening Diary]

After a scorching summer, the arrival of autumn is marked by the blooming of the autumn jasmine (상사화) in the golden fields of Chujang-taean (충남 태안군). The hot and humid weather, caused by the summer typhoon, prompted daily alerts and forced gardeners to meticulously remove weeds and pests from the flower beds. However, this labor-intensive process is not as simple as it seems, as the removal of weeds is akin to editing a manuscript, where the gardener removes undesirable elements to reveal the core message of the garden.

One of the most striking autumn jasmine species is the slender jasmine, which grows up to 50-60 cm tall with a flower cluster at the tip of its stem. The slender jasmine is known for its unique appearance, with a cylindrical stem and a small flower at the end, resembling a candle flame. This flower reminds people of the "love that cannot be fulfilled" in Chinese poetic tradition.

The slender jasmine blooms in late summer, usually between August and September, and is found in various colors ranging from pale pink to yellow and orange.

One popular variety is the "Spaghetti Jasmine," which blooms early in the season and has darker pink flowers with a distinctive purple hue. The slender jasmine is native to East Asia, including Korea, and has some rare subspecies that are endangered. The slender jasmine is distinct from the general jasmine, as it blooms after the leaves have fallen and produces flowers at the end of the season, making it a unique and charming sight in the autumn landscape.

The slender jasmine is often planted in temples and public parks, with its presence signaling the arrival of autumn.