Night jessamine
Cestrum nocturnum · Solanaceae
📷 Asit K. Ghosh Thaumaturgist · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Baies et feuilles toxiques pour chiens/chats/enfants; ingestion cause troubles digestifs, salivation excessive, symptômes neurologiques graves.
The gardener's calendar
Night jessamine is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Common name
- Night-blooming jasmine
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Adult height
- 2.5 m
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- June to October
- Light exposure
- Full sun
- Frost tolerance
- Frost-sensitive (tropical to subtropical climate)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Grow in pots or large containers with rich, well-draining soil. Moderate watering during growth (April-September), very reduced in winter.
The common mistake
Planting it outdoors permanently in zones below 5°C: it freezes, won't restart, or becomes stunted afterward—better to grow it like a citrus, moving it around.
The pro's trick
Bring it inside by October to an unheated greenhouse or bright garage if in a cold zone; most stress comes from frost, not from pot cultivation.
Seasonal watch
June-September: highly fragrant flowers attract thrips and spider mites in hot, dry conditions.
Care
Light exposure
Night-blooming jasmine thrives in full sun, ideally with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. A south or west-facing exposure works perfectly to stimulate abundant flowering. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but well-drained. Reduce watering in winter or during dormancy. Avoid standing water, which promotes root rot.
Soil and potting mix
Use rich, light, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of universal potting soil with added compost works very well. Good drainage is essential to prevent root problems.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growing season (spring-summer). Choose a formulation slightly higher in potassium to encourage flowering. Stop fertilizing in autumn-winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune after flowering to maintain a harmonious shape and stimulate branching. Remove dead or diseased branches throughout the year. Regular pruning prevents the shrub from becoming too sprawling.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, particularly in dry climates. Powdery mildew can affect foliage in excess moisture. Good air circulation and regular hygiene significantly reduce these risks.
Did you know?
Night-blooming jasmine owes its enchanting name to the fact that its small white star-shaped flowers open in late afternoon and emit a delicate sweet fragrance throughout the night. In the Caribbean and Central America, where it originates, this shrub was once planted near homes to enjoy its intoxicating aroma at sunset.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.