Night Jessamine

(Cestrum nocturnum)

Night Jessamine (Cestrum nocturnum)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Cestrum nocturnum image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Cestrum nocturnum, commonly known as Night Jessamine, is an evergreen shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, often found in forest clearings and edges. It typically grows to 4 m (13 ft) tall with slender branches and is densely foliated with leaves covered in weak downy hairs. The greenish-white flowers are tubular, about 2–2.5 cm (0.79–0.98 in) long, with five acute lobes, and open at night to a diameter of 10–13 mm (0.39–0.51 in). They are arranged in cymose inflorescences and emit a strong, sweet fragrance after dusk, which attracts nocturnal pollinators. A variety with yellowish flowers is also known. The plant is valued for its night-time fragrance and is used in subtropical gardens for its ornamental qualities.

Night Jessamine thrives in average to moist, light, sandy soils with a neutral pH of 6.6 to 7.5. It is hardy to USDA hardiness zone 8 and benefits from biweekly fertilization with a weak dilution of seaweed and fish emulsion. Optimal growth occurs in part shade to full sun with medium to low water requirements and well-drained soil. While it is not known for major diseases, it can be invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrubs
  • Height: 2-10 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Green, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, often found in forest clearings and edges

Other Names

Common Names: Night-Blooming Jasmine, Night-Scented Cestrum, Night Flowering Jessamine, Night Jasmine, Queen Of The Night, Night-Scented Jessamine, Night Blooming Jessamine, Night-Jessamine, Lady Of The Night, Lady-Of-The-Night

Scientific Names: , Cestrum nocturnum, Cestrum foetidissimum, Cestrum leucocarpum, Cestrum nocturnum var. mexicanum, Cestrum yucatanense, Cestrum graciliflorum, Cestrum suberosum, Cestrum multiflorum, Cestrum scandens

GBIF Accepted Name: Cestrum nocturnum L.