Night-Blooming Jasmine

Night-Blooming Jasmine

A fragrant tropical shrub featuring lush green foliage and creamy-white flowers that release their perfume after sunset.

Cestrum nocturnum

Add evening fragrance and tropical greenery to your garden with Night-Blooming Jasmine. Known for its clusters of slender, tubular flowers, Cestrum nocturnum produces a distinctive fragrance that becomes especially noticeable at night.

Its bushy growth and arching branches create a leafy accent. Despite its common name, this plant belongs to the nightshade family rather than the true jasmine family.

Ideal For

Fragrance-focused gardens and spacious outdoor settings where locally appropriate. Review regional invasive-plant guidance before selecting a planting location.

🌿 Plant Features

Botanical Name: Cestrum nocturnum
Common Name: Night-Blooming Jasmine, Night Jessamine, Lady of the Night
Plant Type: Evergreen tropical shrub
Mature Height: Approximately 8–13 ft
Mature Spread: Approximately 5–8 ft
Growth Habit: Bushy, upright to arching
Flower Color: Creamy-white to greenish-white
Foliage: Glossy, elongated green leaves
Growth Rate: Moderate under suitable conditions
Florida Native: No
USDA Zones: Approximately 9–11
Blooming: Generally during warmer months, with fragrance strongest after sunset.

💧 Care & Maintenance Guide

Light:
Performs best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a sheltered location with adequate light.

Watering:
Water regularly during establishment. Maintain moderate moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Adjust watering for rainfall, temperature, and container conditions.

Soil:
Prefers moist, well-draining soil. Avoid locations where water collects around the roots.

Temperature:
Thrives in warm conditions. Protect from frost and freezing temperatures.

Fertilization:
Follow the label directions of a fertilizer suitable for flowering shrubs. Adjust feeding to the plant’s growing conditions.

Pruning:
Prune as needed to manage its arching growth and remove damaged branches. Wear gloves when handling.

Spacing:
Plan for its approximately 5–8 ft mature spread, leaving sufficient room around neighboring plants and structures.

🌺 Flowering Tip

The small flowers are best known for their nighttime fragrance. Choose the location carefully: the scent can be intense and may be uncomfortable for fragrance-sensitive individuals.

Common Issues

Poor drainage can contribute to root problems. Spider mites, leaf spot, and rust may occur. Cold weather can damage foliage and tender growth.

📦 What You’ll Receive

A Night-Blooming Jasmine — Cestrum nocturnum in the container size selected.

The exact height, fullness, branching, and presence of flowers may vary naturally according to plant maturity, container size, and season. Plants may arrive without blooms.

💡 Acclimation Tip

Maintain consistent moisture during establishment without saturating the soil. Introduce stronger sunlight gradually if the plant has been grown under shaded conditions.

⚠️ Safety Note

All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested, particularly the fruit. Keep away from children, pets, and livestock. Its strong fragrance may also cause headaches or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Avoid placing it beside bedroom windows or enclosed seating areas.

Landscape Use

Florida planting advisory: UF/IFAS classifies Cestrum nocturnum as a High Invasion Risk in North, Central, and South Florida and does not recommend it for general planting.

Check regional guidance before using this species. Its fragrance and ornamental appeal should be considered alongside its potential to escape cultivation.