The Night Blooming Jasmine is one of the most highly sought-after ornamental plants, primarily because of its exceptionally sweet and powerful fragrance. The small, greenish-white tubular flowers release their intense perfume only after dusk, continuing throughout the night. The intoxicating aroma can travel a considerable distance, making it a perfect addition to patios, lanais, or bedroom windows where it can be fully appreciated after sunset. This nocturnal performance is why the plant is often called the “Lady of the Night.”
Identifying the Correct Species
Correctly identifying the species is the first step in purchasing this highly fragrant shrub, as the common name “Night Blooming Jasmine” is applied to several different plants. The variety sought for its intense, night-time scent is Cestrum nocturnum. This species belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes potatoes and tomatoes, and is not a true jasmine (Jasminum genus). Misidentification can lead to purchasing a plant with a far less potent aroma.
Using the botanical name, Cestrum nocturnum, is necessary to ensure you acquire the correct species. Other plants sometimes called Night Blooming Jasmine include Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, which has a different growth habit and bloom structure. The Cestrum species is a tropical evergreen shrub known for its sprawling habit. Confirming the scientific name with any retailer guarantees the plant will deliver the desired nocturnal fragrance.
Locating Retailers and Suppliers
Once the botanical name, Cestrum nocturnum, is confirmed, suppliers can be found through two primary channels: online specialty nurseries and local garden centers. Online sources specializing in tropical or exotic plants typically offer the widest selection of sizes and specific cultivars. Searching e-commerce sites using the botanical name helps ensure vendors understand the distinction from true jasmine varieties.
Ordering online provides access to plants regardless of geographic location, which is a significant advantage for those living outside of tropical regions. Buyers should be aware that shipping live plants can cause temporary shock, and smaller plants may be necessary due to shipping limitations. Always check the supplier’s reviews regarding plant health upon arrival.
Local sources vary based on regional climate and retailer size. Large chain stores may carry Cestrum nocturnum seasonally, especially in warmer regions (USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11). Availability is often highest during the late spring and summer planting seasons.
Independent or specialty nurseries focused on tropical flora are reliable local options for purchasing established specimens. These businesses often have staff with deeper knowledge of the plant’s needs and can offer advice tailored to your specific local growing conditions. If you live in a cooler climate, check with local nurseries that specialize in indoor or container-grown tropical plants.
Essential Care for Healthy Growth
Successful cultivation of Cestrum nocturnum requires consistent conditions that mimic its native tropical environment. The shrub performs best in full sun to partial shade; exposure to direct sunlight generally leads to a more abundant floral display. A location receiving at least six hours of sun daily is optimal for maximizing the production of the highly fragrant night-blooming flowers.
The plant requires organically rich, well-draining soil that must be kept consistently moist throughout the growing season. Allowing the soil to dry out stresses the shrub and reduces flowering, but similarly, waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. A balanced fertilizer applied every four to six weeks during the spring and summer supports rapid growth and continuous blooming.
Night Blooming Jasmine is reliably hardy only in USDA Zones 9 through 11, meaning it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. In cooler climates, the plant must be grown in a container and brought indoors before the first frost, or treated as an annual. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain a manageable shape, as the shrub naturally develops a sprawling habit and can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet if left untrimmed.
Toxicity and Safety Precautions
All parts of Cestrum nocturnum are considered toxic if ingested. The plant contains various alkaloids, including solanine, and the berries, which turn white when ripe, are particularly concentrated with these compounds. Ingestion by humans or pets can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, elevated temperature, and potential neurological symptoms.
Placement in the garden should be carefully considered, keeping the shrub away from areas accessible to small children and household pets. When handling the plant for pruning or repotting, wearing gardening gloves is advisable to prevent skin irritation.
The intensely fragrant nature of the night-time bloom can sometimes cause physical reactions in sensitive individuals. Some people report experiencing headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation from the powerful nocturnal fragrance, especially when the plant is placed in a confined space like a sunroom or enclosed patio. Those with respiratory sensitivities should ensure the plant is situated in an open, well-ventilated area outdoors. If ingestion is suspected, immediate consultation with a medical professional or a poison control center is strongly recommended.