Night Blooming Jessamine
Location
Butterfly Garden
- Common name: Night Blooming Jessamine, Lady of the Night, Queen of the Night, Night Blooming Jasmine
- Scientific name: Cestrum nocturnum
- Family name: Solanaceae
- Origin: West Indies
- Height: 8-10 ft
- Width: 4-6 ft
- Growth: Moderate
- Zone: 8b-11
- Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Salt tolerance: Moderate
- Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers moist, light, sandy soil with a neutral pH (pH 6.6 – 7.5)
- Moisture: Moderate water needs; should be watered regularly.
- Drought tolerance: Moderate
- Pests/diseases: Leaf spot and leaf rust; spider mites may be a problem.
- Growing conditions: Should be grown in an open, sunny area with moist, well-drained, sandy soil. Can be grown as a porch plant or patio plant, or it can be grown directly in the ground. Should be watered regularly; water more when conditions are dry, and water less if conditions are moist.
- Characteristics: Leaves are simple, narrow, pointed, and glossy. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stem. Flowers are small, white, and five-petaled. Flowers grow in clusters near the ends of stems. These flowers bloom at night and have a strong, sweet fragrance. Fruits are small, white berries, and are mildly poisonous.
- Propagation: By cuttings or by seeds
- Wildlife: Flowers attract nocturnal pollinators, such as moths
- Facts: Its species name, nocturnum, comes from the word nocturnal, meaning “active at night”. It is closely related to Cestrum diurnum, which blooms during the day.
- Designer considerations: Its sweet fragrance makes it a great choice for a patio plant, porch plant, or for hedges.
