Lafayette County Master Gardeners: “Cestrum: The Night-Blooming Jewel of the Garden”

by Bronwynne Bailey

Few plants can rival Cestrum’s combination of tropical beauty, rich fragrance, and near-constant blooms. Known commonly as jessamine or night-blooming jasmine, these shrubs from the Solanaceae family (the same family as tomatoes and petunias) add drama, perfume, and color to gardens around the world.

A Tropical Treasure

Native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, Cestrum encompasses more than 175 species of evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs and small trees. Most feature lance-shaped leaves and clusters of tubular blooms in creamy white, yellow, orange, or purple. But the real magic happens after sunset: certain species, especially Cestrum nocturnum, release an intoxicating fragrance that can perfume the entire garden.

Did You Know?

Cestrum nocturnum is said to be one of the most powerfully fragrant flowers in the world — its scent detectable from over 50 feet away on warm summer nights.

The star of the night — Cestrum nocturnum’s greenish-white blooms glow softly under moonlight.

Meet the Family: Standout Species

1. Cestrum nocturnum – Night-Blooming Jasmine
   Perhaps the most famous species, C. nocturnum opens its creamy-white flowers after dusk. Reaching up to 10 feet tall, it thrives in warm climates and blooms repeatedly from spring through autumn. The scent is strongest at night, making it a favorite near patios and verandas.
2. Cestrum aurantiacum – Orange Jessamine
   This species dazzles with clusters of bright orange tubular flowers, beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Its upright, bushy form makes it a wonderful focal plant for tropical-themed gardens.
3. Cestrum elegans – Red or Purple Cestrum
   A Mexican native known for its rich reddish-purple flowers and glossy foliage. It’s equally stunning in containers or as a hedge where mild winters prevail.
4. Cestrum diurnum – Day-Blooming Jessamine
   The counterpart to C. nocturnum, this species releases its sweet scent during the day. Its small white flowers and neat shape make it a charming addition to mixed borders.
5. Cestrum parqui – Willow-Leaved Jessamine
   A hardy, drought-tolerant variety with yellow-green blooms. Its fragrance is strong — and not always loved — but it’s excellent for tough conditions and coastal gardens.
6. Growing Cestrum: Sun, Soil & Care
7. Despite its exotic looks, Cestrum is surprisingly undemanding. With the right conditions, it will reward you with months of color and scent.
8. Pruning – Prune after each flowering flush, or at least once in spring, to encourage new shoots and maintain shape. Cestrum responds well to hard pruning, so don’t be afraid to cut it back by one-third if it gets leggy.
9. Light – Full sun is ideal for maximum bloom, but Cestrum also tolerates light shade. In very hot climates, some afternoon protection from harsh sun prevents leaf scorching.
10. Soil – Free-draining, fertile soil is best. Incorporate compost or aged manure before planting and mulch annually to retain moisture.
11. Watering – Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Allow the top inch to dry between waterings. Once established, Cestrum can withstand short dry spells.
12. Feeding – Feed twice yearly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer — once in spring and again in midsummer. For container plants, supplement with liquid feed every two to three weeks during the growing season.

GARDENER’S TIP

Plant Cestrum nocturnum near windows, patios, or pathways — anywhere you can enjoy its perfume on summer evenings.For day gardens, Cestrum diurnum ensures fragrance from dawn till dusk.

Propagation Made Easy

Cestrum is easily multiplied through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. Snip 4–6-inch cuttings just below a leaf node, dip in rooting hormone, and insert into a mix of sand and peat. Keep them warm and humid until roots form — usually in 4–6 weeks.

Seed propagation is possible, but cuttings are preferred if you want to maintain the exact characteristics of a parent plant.

A blaze of orange — Cestrum aurantiacum adds warmth and wildlife appeal to sunny borders.

Pests, Problems & Cautions

Cestrum is generally resilient but can occasionally attract whiteflies, aphids, or spider mites, especially indoors or in greenhouses. Regular inspection and natural pest sprays (like neem oil) keep problems in check.

Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage in both garden beds and pots.⚠️ Important Note:
All parts of the Cestrum plant — especially the berries — are toxic if ingested. Handle with care, and keep away from children and pets.

Seasonal Interest & Blooming Patterns

Cestrum’s long bloom period makes it a true garden workhorse. In mild climates, it flowers from late spring through early winter. In containers, it can be overwintered indoors in bright light, continuing to bloom intermittently even during the cooler months.When planted near patios or garden paths, Cestrum nocturnum transforms nightfall into a sensory experience — its sweet scent wafting through the air as stars appear.

Design Ideas: Bringing Cestrum into the Garden

• Tropical Retreat: Pair Cestrum aurantiacum with hibiscus, bougainvillea, and plumbago for a riot of color and fragrance.
• Cottage Charm: Combine Cestrum elegans with roses and salvias for an informal, romantic feel.
• Moon Garden: Mix Cestrum nocturnum with white-flowering plants like Ipomoea alba (moonflower) and Polianthes tuberosa (tuberose) for an enchanting nightscape.
• Container Delight: Keep dwarf varieties in large pots for easy movement and winter protection.

Eco Note:
Some species, particularly Cestrum parqui and C. nocturnum, can spread aggressively in warm climates. Prune before berries set and dispose of plant material responsibly to prevent invasiveness.

 Quick Reference: Cestrum Care at a Glance

About the Author

Bronwynne Bailey

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