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Fun Coast Plant Nursery
Night Blooming Jasmine "Cestrum nocturnum" Quart Pot Live Plant from Cutting
Night Blooming Jasmine "Cestrum nocturnum" Quart Pot Live Plant from Cutting
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Cestrum nocturnum "Night Blooming Jasmine"
Scientific Name: Cestrum nocturnum
Common Name: Night Blooming Jasmine
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub or Small Tree
Family: Solanaceae
Overview:
Cestrum nocturnum, commonly known as "Night Blooming Jasmine," is a fragrant, evergreen shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. This highly aromatic plant is prized for its intensely fragrant white or pale yellow flowers that bloom at night, releasing a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance that fills the air after dusk. Often used in fragrant gardens, along fences, or near patios, this plant is particularly appreciated for its ability to provide nighttime fragrance, making it a wonderful choice for gardens meant to be enjoyed after sunset. While it's a tropical plant, it can be grown in a variety of climates when properly cared for.
Origin and Ecosystem:
Cestrum nocturnum, commonly known as Night-Blooming Jasmine, is native to the West Indies and parts of Central America. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and can be found in forests, open woodlands, and along edges of tropical gardens. Preferring warm, humid conditions, it flourishes in well-drained, fertile soils and is typically seen in areas with full sun to partial shade. It is commonly cultivated outside its native range in many tropical and subtropical areas around the world.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The Night-Blooming Jasmine is famed for its sweet-smelling, nocturnal flowers, which release a potent fragrance at night. This fragrance has led to the plant being associated with romanticism and nocturnal beauty. Though not widely used in traditional medicine, the plant has been cultivated for ornamental purposes in many parts of the world due to its striking flowers and strong scent. In some cultures, the plant has symbolic meanings of love, enchantment, and mystery. The plant is also popular in tropical gardens for its ability to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths.
Ecosystem Contribution:
As a fragrant, night-blooming plant, Cestrum nocturnum attracts nocturnal pollinators, especially moths. These pollinators play an important role in maintaining local ecosystems. The plant is a key contributor to biodiversity in tropical gardens and environments, providing food sources and habitat for insects and small birds. Additionally, the flowers are often visited by bees during the day, further supporting pollinator health. Night-Blooming Jasmine also serves as a hedge plant or background shrub in gardens, where it offers privacy and an aromatic atmosphere.
Global Adaptation and Cultivation:
Cestrum nocturnum has been widely cultivated for ornamental purposes in tropical and subtropical regions globally, including Florida, Hawaii, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Mediterranean. It is valued for its ability to bloom profusely in the late evening and night, providing gardens with both aesthetic beauty and a rich fragrance. The plant is relatively easy to grow in well-drained soils, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While hardy in warmer climates, it is sensitive to frost and must be brought indoors or protected in cooler areas. Its versatile growth makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a fragrant shrub to their outdoor spaces.
Mature Size:
Height: 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters)
Spread: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters)
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade. Cestrum nocturnum thrives in full sun, which helps it produce an abundance of flowers and reach its maximum potential in terms of size and fragrance. In hotter regions, it can tolerate some partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Watering Needs:
Moderate to regular watering. While it is fairly drought-tolerant once established, this plant performs best when watered regularly during dry periods. It prefers well-drained, consistently moist soil but does not like standing water, so be sure to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers well-drained, fertile soils, ideally slightly acidic to neutral. Cestrum nocturnum is adaptable to a variety of soil types but thrives in soils that retain moisture without becoming soggy. It is important to provide good drainage to avoid root rot, especially during the rainy season.
Foliage and Flowers:
Leaves: The leaves of Cestrum nocturnum are lance-shaped, dark green, and glossy, providing an attractive backdrop for its flowers. The plant maintains its foliage year-round in tropical climates, while it may become deciduous in cooler areas during the winter months.
Flowers: The flowers are small, tubular, and typically white or pale yellow, appearing in dense clusters. They open in the evening and release a powerful, sweet fragrance that intensifies as night falls. The scent is most noticeable after sunset and is often described as jasmine-like or musky. Blooming usually occurs from late spring to fall, with the heaviest bloom periods in warm climates.
Fruit: Following flowering, Cestrum nocturnum produces small, berry-like fruits that are green and then turn red as they ripen. While these berries are not typically consumed by humans due to their toxicity, they can attract birds and other wildlife.
Seasonal Interest:
Spring/Summer: The plant produces abundant blooms during the warmer months, with peak flowering usually occurring in late spring and summer. The rich fragrance of the flowers is a key feature during these seasons, especially at night.
Fall/Winter: While Cestrum nocturnum may slow its blooming in cooler months, it can continue to produce some flowers, especially in milder climates. In frost-prone areas, the plant may lose its leaves and die back but can resprout in spring if the roots are protected.
Care Instructions:
Fertilizing: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can help encourage vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to leggy growth with fewer flowers.
Pests/Diseases: Cestrum nocturnum is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally suffer from aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Keep an eye out for these and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. The plant is also susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils, so good drainage is crucial.
Uses in the Landscape:
Fragrant Garden: Cestrum nocturnum is an excellent choice for fragrant gardens, especially near patios, walkways, or outdoor seating areas where its intoxicating nighttime scent can be fully appreciated.
Hedges and Borders: It can be planted as a hedge or screening plant, providing both beauty and privacy. Its fast-growing nature makes it a great choice for quickly creating a natural barrier.
Container Planting: In cooler climates, this plant can be grown in large containers and brought indoors during the winter months to enjoy its fragrance year-round.
Tropical or Subtropical Gardens: As a tropical shrub, it is well-suited to warmer, humid climates and can be used in tropical or Mediterranean-style gardens for its bold foliage and fragrant flowers.
Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 9–11. Cestrum nocturnum is best suited for tropical and subtropical climates. It can tolerate light frost in Zone 9 but is typically grown as a container plant in colder zones (where it may be brought indoors for the winter).
Special Features:
Fragrance: The primary draw of Cestrum nocturnum is its powerful and sweet nighttime fragrance. It’s ideal for evening gardens or locations where the scent can be enjoyed at night.
Pollinator-Friendly: Its small, tubular flowers attract night-flying pollinators like moths and other insects, making it a good choice for supporting local pollinator populations.
Low Maintenance: Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning and regular watering during dry periods.
Cestrum nocturnum (Night Blooming Jasmine) is a fragrant and visually appealing shrub that provides exceptional nighttime beauty with its heady fragrance and elegant blooms. Whether planted near a patio or in a fragrant garden, it will transform any space with its delicate scent and tropical allure, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add an aromatic touch to their landscapes.
Scientific Name: Cestrum nocturnum
Common Name: Night Blooming Jasmine
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub or Small Tree
Family: Solanaceae
Overview:
Cestrum nocturnum, commonly known as "Night Blooming Jasmine," is a fragrant, evergreen shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. This highly aromatic plant is prized for its intensely fragrant white or pale yellow flowers that bloom at night, releasing a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance that fills the air after dusk. Often used in fragrant gardens, along fences, or near patios, this plant is particularly appreciated for its ability to provide nighttime fragrance, making it a wonderful choice for gardens meant to be enjoyed after sunset. While it's a tropical plant, it can be grown in a variety of climates when properly cared for.
Origin and Ecosystem:
Cestrum nocturnum, commonly known as Night-Blooming Jasmine, is native to the West Indies and parts of Central America. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and can be found in forests, open woodlands, and along edges of tropical gardens. Preferring warm, humid conditions, it flourishes in well-drained, fertile soils and is typically seen in areas with full sun to partial shade. It is commonly cultivated outside its native range in many tropical and subtropical areas around the world.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The Night-Blooming Jasmine is famed for its sweet-smelling, nocturnal flowers, which release a potent fragrance at night. This fragrance has led to the plant being associated with romanticism and nocturnal beauty. Though not widely used in traditional medicine, the plant has been cultivated for ornamental purposes in many parts of the world due to its striking flowers and strong scent. In some cultures, the plant has symbolic meanings of love, enchantment, and mystery. The plant is also popular in tropical gardens for its ability to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths.
Ecosystem Contribution:
As a fragrant, night-blooming plant, Cestrum nocturnum attracts nocturnal pollinators, especially moths. These pollinators play an important role in maintaining local ecosystems. The plant is a key contributor to biodiversity in tropical gardens and environments, providing food sources and habitat for insects and small birds. Additionally, the flowers are often visited by bees during the day, further supporting pollinator health. Night-Blooming Jasmine also serves as a hedge plant or background shrub in gardens, where it offers privacy and an aromatic atmosphere.
Global Adaptation and Cultivation:
Cestrum nocturnum has been widely cultivated for ornamental purposes in tropical and subtropical regions globally, including Florida, Hawaii, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Mediterranean. It is valued for its ability to bloom profusely in the late evening and night, providing gardens with both aesthetic beauty and a rich fragrance. The plant is relatively easy to grow in well-drained soils, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While hardy in warmer climates, it is sensitive to frost and must be brought indoors or protected in cooler areas. Its versatile growth makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a fragrant shrub to their outdoor spaces.
Mature Size:
Height: 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters)
Spread: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters)
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade. Cestrum nocturnum thrives in full sun, which helps it produce an abundance of flowers and reach its maximum potential in terms of size and fragrance. In hotter regions, it can tolerate some partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Watering Needs:
Moderate to regular watering. While it is fairly drought-tolerant once established, this plant performs best when watered regularly during dry periods. It prefers well-drained, consistently moist soil but does not like standing water, so be sure to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers well-drained, fertile soils, ideally slightly acidic to neutral. Cestrum nocturnum is adaptable to a variety of soil types but thrives in soils that retain moisture without becoming soggy. It is important to provide good drainage to avoid root rot, especially during the rainy season.
Foliage and Flowers:
Leaves: The leaves of Cestrum nocturnum are lance-shaped, dark green, and glossy, providing an attractive backdrop for its flowers. The plant maintains its foliage year-round in tropical climates, while it may become deciduous in cooler areas during the winter months.
Flowers: The flowers are small, tubular, and typically white or pale yellow, appearing in dense clusters. They open in the evening and release a powerful, sweet fragrance that intensifies as night falls. The scent is most noticeable after sunset and is often described as jasmine-like or musky. Blooming usually occurs from late spring to fall, with the heaviest bloom periods in warm climates.
Fruit: Following flowering, Cestrum nocturnum produces small, berry-like fruits that are green and then turn red as they ripen. While these berries are not typically consumed by humans due to their toxicity, they can attract birds and other wildlife.
Seasonal Interest:
Spring/Summer: The plant produces abundant blooms during the warmer months, with peak flowering usually occurring in late spring and summer. The rich fragrance of the flowers is a key feature during these seasons, especially at night.
Fall/Winter: While Cestrum nocturnum may slow its blooming in cooler months, it can continue to produce some flowers, especially in milder climates. In frost-prone areas, the plant may lose its leaves and die back but can resprout in spring if the roots are protected.
Care Instructions:
Fertilizing: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can help encourage vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to leggy growth with fewer flowers.
Pests/Diseases: Cestrum nocturnum is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally suffer from aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Keep an eye out for these and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. The plant is also susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils, so good drainage is crucial.
Uses in the Landscape:
Fragrant Garden: Cestrum nocturnum is an excellent choice for fragrant gardens, especially near patios, walkways, or outdoor seating areas where its intoxicating nighttime scent can be fully appreciated.
Hedges and Borders: It can be planted as a hedge or screening plant, providing both beauty and privacy. Its fast-growing nature makes it a great choice for quickly creating a natural barrier.
Container Planting: In cooler climates, this plant can be grown in large containers and brought indoors during the winter months to enjoy its fragrance year-round.
Tropical or Subtropical Gardens: As a tropical shrub, it is well-suited to warmer, humid climates and can be used in tropical or Mediterranean-style gardens for its bold foliage and fragrant flowers.
Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 9–11. Cestrum nocturnum is best suited for tropical and subtropical climates. It can tolerate light frost in Zone 9 but is typically grown as a container plant in colder zones (where it may be brought indoors for the winter).
Special Features:
Fragrance: The primary draw of Cestrum nocturnum is its powerful and sweet nighttime fragrance. It’s ideal for evening gardens or locations where the scent can be enjoyed at night.
Pollinator-Friendly: Its small, tubular flowers attract night-flying pollinators like moths and other insects, making it a good choice for supporting local pollinator populations.
Low Maintenance: Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning and regular watering during dry periods.
Cestrum nocturnum (Night Blooming Jasmine) is a fragrant and visually appealing shrub that provides exceptional nighttime beauty with its heady fragrance and elegant blooms. Whether planted near a patio or in a fragrant garden, it will transform any space with its delicate scent and tropical allure, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add an aromatic touch to their landscapes.
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