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Night Blooming Jessamine, Lady of the Night

​Cestrum Nocturnum

• 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. 
  

Location

Butterfly Garden

Night Blooming Jessamine