Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum): Fragrance After Dark

Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), also called night-scented jessamine or queen of the night, is a sprawling evergreen shrub famous for its powerfully sweet fragrance released after sunset. Though the small, tubular greenish-white flowers are visually modest, their scent can perfume an entire garden on warm evenings.

Characteristics

This fast-growing shrub reaches 8–12 feet tall and wide, with arching branches and glossy green leaves. It blooms intermittently throughout the year in frost-free climates, with peak flushes in summer. The flowers are followed by small white berries.

Cultivation

Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the growing season. Prune after flowering to control size and shape. In zones 8–11, it is evergreen; in cooler areas, grow in a container and overwinter indoors. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

Taxonomy

• Family: Solanaceae
• Genus: Cestrum
• Species: nocturnum