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Night-blooming jasmine

Cestrum nocturnum

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Night-blooming jasmine · Cestrum nocturnum

Small greenish flowers release strong scent at night; berries and leaves are toxic.

Care and placement

Needs full sun (6–8 hours) for the most flowers, moist but draining soil and a hard prune after flowering; flowers release strong scent at night; berries and leaves are toxic.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 250 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 150 cm

Things to consider

A member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) containing solanine-type alkaloids, also called 'poisonberry'; reports on foliage and fruit toxicity are mixed but it should be treated as poisonous (Wikipedia). The berries are the main hazard; people with asthma or sensitivities may get breathing difficulty, headache or nausea from the strong night scent. Keep it away from bedrooms, children and pets; it is not a true jasmine.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in sun in humus-rich, well-drained soil; use a large pot with drainage holes. Leave room since it grows 1–4 m; avoid planting near bedroom windows because the scent is very strong.

  2. Light

    Full sun for the most flowers and sturdy growth (about 6–8 hours); tolerates part shade with fewer blooms. Afternoon shade helps in very hot places.

  3. Watering

    Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged; more in dry spells and for pots; cut back sharply when cool. Overwatering causes root rot.

  4. Feeding

    Feed in early spring then every 4–6 weeks in the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer; if growth is strong, two feeds a season may do.

  5. Pruning

    Cut back hard after flowering and pinch tips to keep it compact; remove dead branches and spent flowers regularly. Pruning also limits bird spread of the berry seeds. Wear gloves.

  6. Propagation

    Take 10–15 cm cuttings from healthy stems in spring or summer: strip lower leaves and set in draining mix (rooting hormone optional) or root in water then move to soil. Seed from berries also works (toxic; wear gloves).

  7. Pests and common problems

    Spider mites, aphids and whiteflies; root rot if waterlogged. In frost-free regions it can turn weedy as birds spread the berries.

  8. For more flowers

    For plenty of fragrant flowers: enough sun, even watering, scheduled feeding (one source says seaweed or fish liquid feed every two weeks can boost bloom), a hard prune after each flush and deadheading.