The Night Blooming Jasmine, scientifically known as Cestrum nocturnum, is a tropical shrub prized for its powerful, nocturnal fragrance. This plant produces clusters of unassuming white-green tubular flowers that only unfurl their petals and release their intense perfume after dusk. This unique characteristic makes it a captivating addition to any garden space where evening enjoyment is desired. Successfully cultivating this aromatic shrub requires specific attention to its environmental needs and ongoing maintenance.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Placing the Night Blooming Jasmine in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily will significantly increase the number of flowers produced. While the plant tolerates partial shade, bright light remains the preference for optimal flowering. In regions with extremely intense afternoon sun, slight afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch.
The jasmine requires consistently moist, well-draining soil to thrive, as it does not tolerate standing water. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, is best. For heavy clay soils, incorporating generous amounts of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, is necessary to improve aeration and drainage before planting.
Night Blooming Jasmine is a tropical to subtropical plant best suited for in-ground cultivation within USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11. Gardeners in cooler climates outside this range must plan to grow the shrub in a container.
Routine Watering and Feeding Schedule
Consistent moisture is necessary for the Night Blooming Jasmine. Newly planted shrubs require more frequent watering, often needing irrigation every two to three days until a robust root system is established. Once mature, keep the soil evenly moist, never allowing it to dry out completely, while avoiding saturated conditions that lead to root rot.
The plant responds well to a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer applied at the start of spring. Alternatively, use a liquid feed with a slightly higher phosphorus content, such as a 10-15-10 ratio, which encourages flower development.
Apply liquid fertilizer monthly throughout the spring and summer months. As temperatures begin to drop in the late fall, cease all fertilization to allow the plant to prepare for semi-dormancy. Container-grown plants generally require more frequent, lighter feeding due to the quicker leaching of nutrients.
Managing Growth and Pruning Techniques
Night Blooming Jasmine has a fast growth habit. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain a desired shape and size, and to encourage a denser, bushier form that produces more flowering wood. Allowing the plant to grow unchecked results in a tall, sparse specimen with few blooms.
The most significant structural pruning should be completed in late winter or very early spring, just before the emergence of new growth. During the summer, light shaping can be performed immediately following a major flush of blooms to tidy the plant and stimulate further flowering cycles.
When pruning, focus on ‘heading back’ long, unbranched stems by cutting them just above a leaf node or an outward-facing bud. This technique forces branching below the cut, resulting in a more compact and floriferous plant. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches back to the main stem to maintain good air circulation within the canopy.
Special Considerations for Night Bloomers
All parts of the Night Blooming Jasmine contain saponins and alkaloids, making the plant inherently toxic. The berries, which form after the flowers, are particularly attractive and poisonous if ingested by humans or pets. The shrub should be situated in areas inaccessible to small children or animals that might chew on the leaves or fruit.
Careful placement relative to living spaces is beneficial for enjoying the intense scent. Planting the jasmine near a bedroom window, a patio, or an outdoor seating area allows the perfume to be enjoyed during the evening hours. Since the aroma is exceptionally strong, a location with good air movement is advisable.
While tropical, the jasmine can handle brief dips in temperature, but sustained freezing will cause damage or death. In borderline climates, such as USDA Zone 8, in-ground plants benefit from a thick layer of organic mulch applied around the base in late fall to insulate the roots when temperatures consistently drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.