Night-Blooming Jasmine

Common name(s): Night-Blooming Jasmine

Scientific name: Cestrum nocturnum

Plant family: SOLANACEAE

Origin: West Indies, naturalized in South Asia

Description: Bushy evergreen shrub adorned with arching branches lined with gross, pointed, dark green leaves. Releases a sweet, musky perfume. Grows fast, up to 8 – 10 feet tall and 4 – 6 feet wide. Planted as an ornamental in tropical regions. The slender arching branches are clad in elliptic to oblong flowers which open at night.

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Organic, fertile, well-drained soils. Water regularly. Provide a sheltered location to protect from harsh sun. Sensitive to temperature extremes. Blooms in the summer. Give plenty of space. Prune yearly to create bushier plant. 

Wildlife: Pollinated by bats, moths and other night flying insects. Birds eat the berries. 

Relation to Nehrling Gardens:

Location in Gardens: D8

Additional Information: Prized for its heady fragrance. The plant and especially the berries are poisonous to humans and other mammals.

Sponsored by: Austin Jones

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