The night-blooming jasmine is a tropical shrub famous for its powerful, sweet fragrance that saturates the evening air. This plant is a popular addition to patios and garden spaces where its perfume can be enjoyed after sunset. Unlike most flowering plants that rely on daylight pollinators, this species releases its intoxicating scent exclusively at night. This nocturnal fragrance powerhouse is a highly sought-after garden specimen.
Botanical Identity and Characteristics
The plant commonly known as night-blooming jasmine is scientifically identified as Cestrum nocturnum, meaning “night cestrum” in Latin. Despite its common name, this species is not a true jasmine (Jasminum genus), but is a member of the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family, which also includes potatoes and tomatoes. It grows as an evergreen woody shrub that can reach between 8 and 13 feet in height with a sprawling, multi-branched habit.
The leaves are simple, glossy, and lanceolate in shape, typically growing 2.5 to 8 inches long. The flowers are small and visually unassuming, appearing in clusters with a slender tubular corolla that is greenish-white or cream-colored. Their structure is adapted to release a potent, sweet perfume once the sun goes down. This nocturnal release of scent is a biological strategy to attract night-flying pollinators, such as moths.
The plant’s distinctive fragrance is intense and can permeate a large area, often extending 100 to 150 yards away. After the flowers fade, the plant produces small, globular berries that ripen from green to white. The species is native to the West Indies, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America, thriving in warm, tropical conditions.
Cultivation and Care Requirements
To successfully grow Cestrum nocturnum, gardeners must replicate its native tropical environment, providing warmth and consistent moisture. The shrub performs well in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least four to six hours of sunlight daily for abundant flowering. Placing it in a partially shaded spot can help protect it from harsh afternoon sun in extremely hot climates.
A rich, well-draining soil mix is preferred. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, requiring frequent watering during the growing season. As a tropical plant, night-blooming jasmine is frost-tender and is reliably hardy only in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11.
In cooler regions, the plant is successfully grown in containers and can be moved indoors during the winter to protect it from freezing temperatures. Pruning should be done annually after the flowering period to maintain a desirable shape and encourage bushier growth. During the active growth period, a balanced fertilizer application every four to six weeks supports the plant’s growth and flower production.
Important Safety Considerations
Because Cestrum nocturnum is a member of the nightshade family, all parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and especially the berries, contain toxic compounds. The primary toxins are various alkaloids, such as solanine, which are harmful if ingested by humans or animals. This toxicity necessitates careful placement, particularly in gardens frequented by small children and pets.
Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause adverse effects, including digestive upset, elevated body temperature, rapid pulse, and general gastritis. More serious symptoms can include dizziness, vomiting, and excessive salivation. The strong fragrance, while pleasant to many, can also cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals, leading to headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation.
It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the plant during pruning or maintenance to avoid skin irritation. If accidental ingestion is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary. Contacting a local Poison Control Center or emergency services is the proper course of action.