Night-Blooming Jasmine: Growing and Care Guide

Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is a captivating woody shrub that originates from the West Indies and belongs to the Solanaceae family. Although not a true jasmine, this fascinating plant has earned its name due to the alluring greenish-white or yellow tubular flowers that unfurl at night, releasing a mesmerizing scent that can travel hundreds of feet. The fragrance not only enchants us but also attracts butterflies, moths, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

As a fast-growing plant with a sprawling habit, Night-Blooming Jasmine flourishes in a variety of settings, including containers, border hedges, and even indoors as a houseplant. Its beauty and aroma make it an ideal plant for entertaining guests, while its insect-repelling properties keep mosquitoes at bay.

Throughout this guide, we will explore the secrets to growing and caring for this exceptional plant, ensuring it blooms repeatedly and fills your surroundings with its enchanting fragrance.

Night-Blooming Jasmine Details

Night-blooming jasmine, scientifically known as Cestrum nocturnum, is a popular plant due to its highly fragrant flowers that emit a pleasant scent during the night. This fast-growing, woody shrub belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes potatoes and tomatoes, and is not a true jasmine. The plant is attractive to butterflies and other pollinators and is often used in gardens for its ornamental and aromatic attributes.

There are several common names for night-blooming jasmine, such as midnight jasmine, lady of the night, night jessamine, and queen of the night. These names often vary depending on the geographical location and culture. Despite the variations in names, they all refer to the same species, Cestrum nocturnum.

The plant typically grows 8-10 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with a tall and columnar growth habit, making it an excellent candidate for privacy hedges and screens. Night-blooming jasmine produces clusters of small, white-green flowers from spring through late summer. These flowers are tubular in shape, with colors ranging from greenish-white to yellow.

There are no major varieties of Cestrum nocturnum, but some cultivars may have slight variations in flower color or growth habit.

Summary

Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is a fragrant, fast-growing shrub from the Solanaceae family. Not a true jasmine, it attracts pollinators with its tubular greenish-white or yellow flowers. Common names include midnight jasmine, lady of the night, and queen of the night. Ideal for hedges and screens, it blooms from spring to late summer.

Night-Blooming Jasmine Care and Ideal Growing Conditions

Night-Blooming Jasmine Sunlight and Shade Requirements

The Night-Blooming Jasmine plant grows best when exposed to partial or full sun. Too much shade can lead to a lack of blooms and may decrease their sweet fragrance. Provide the plant with enough direct sunlight to ensure healthy growth and good flower production.

Temperature and Humidity Preferences

The ideal temperature range for Night-Blooming Jasmine is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It is essential to maintain a consistent temperature as extreme fluctuations can harm the plant. The ideal humidity level for optimal growth ranges from 40% to 60%. Deviating too far from this range may cause stress, diseases, or other problems.

Soil and Planting Recommendations

Night-Blooming Jasmine thrives in fertile, well-draining soil. Here are some soil recommendations:

• Choose light, loose sandy soil to ensure proper drainage.
• Maintain a soil pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Consider adding compost or composted cow manure to the soil, offering essential nutrients for plant growth.

Watering and Fertilizing

Night-Blooming Jasmine plants are moisture lovers and need regular watering throughout the growing season. During the establishment phase, saturate the plant several times a week. Once established, water the plant at least weekly during the growing season, adjusting as necessary according to your climate and specific plant requirements. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not overly saturated or soggy, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.

Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can provide additional nutrients and improve overall plant health. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding frequency and dosage for optimal results.

Summary

Night-Blooming Jasmine requires partial to full sun, temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C), and 40-60% humidity. It thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5. Regular watering and slow-release fertilizer during the growing season promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and overly saturated soil to prevent stress or diseases.

Night-Blooming Jasmine Pruning and Maintenance

Maintaining a healthy night-blooming jasmine plant involves proper pruning and ensuring adequate care to prevent root rot.

Pruning Techniques

Pruning is crucial for promoting new growth and extending the blooming period of night-blooming jasmine. Regularly removing dead or damaged branches encourages the plant to produce healthy and fragrant blooms. To prune your night-blooming jasmine effectively, follow these guidelines:

• Use sharp garden shears or scissors to cleanly cut back any dead or damaged branches.
• Prune immediately after the flowering season to shape the plant and control its size without sacrificing blooms.
• Remove any excessive growth from the plant’s center to provide better air circulation and light penetration.

Preventing Root Rot

Proper care and attention are needed to prevent root rot in night-blooming jasmine plants. Here are essential steps to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth:

1. Provide adequate drainage: Plant night-blooming jasmine in a pot with at least one hole for water drainage. A well-draining soil mixture, such as sandy soil and peat moss, further ensures water does not pool around the roots.
2. Monitor watering frequency: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so water the plant several times a week during the establishment phase, then reduce watering to once a week during the growing season.
3. Repot as needed: If your night-blooming jasmine becomes root-bound, repot it every two years to support healthy growth and prevent root rot.
4. Humidity control: Maintain a humidity level between 40% to 60% to avoid stress and diseases, including root rot.

Summary

Proper pruning and care help maintain a healthy Night-Blooming Jasmine. Prune dead or damaged branches after flowering for better air circulation and light penetration. Prevent root rot by providing drainage, monitoring watering, repotting when root-bound, and maintaining 40-60% humidity. Adequate care ensures a thriving, fragrant plant.

Propagating Night-Blooming Jasmine

Night-blooming jasmine, also known as Cestrum nocturnum, is a popular ornamental shrub that can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11 or as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Propagation Methods

There are two main methods for propagating night-blooming jasmine: stem cuttings and seeds. Both methods are effective, but stem cuttings are often preferred for their ease and speed.

To propagate from stem cuttings, simply take a healthy cutting from an existing plant, ideally in the fall. Place the cutting in water until new roots emerge. Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, transplant it into a sunny spot with moist, fertile soil. This process takes just a few weeks, allowing gardeners to quickly establish new plants.

Growing from Seeds

Alternatively, night-blooming jasmine can also be propagated from seeds. To grow plants from seeds, follow these steps:

1. Collect seeds from a mature night-blooming jasmine plant, or purchase seeds from a reputable supplier.
2. Sow the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix in a container or seed tray. Lightly cover the seeds with soil or vermiculite, as they require light for germination.
3. Place the container in a warm, brightly lit area, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
4. Once seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or to their final location in the garden.

Keep in mind that growing night-blooming jasmine from seeds may result in a longer wait for flowering, as compared to propagating from stem cuttings. However, with proper care and maintenance, your night-blooming jasmine will eventually reward you with its beautiful, fragrant flowers.

Summary

Night-Blooming Jasmine can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings are easier and quicker, involving placing a healthy cutting in water until roots develop. Alternatively, sow seeds in well-draining soil, ensuring consistent moisture and light for germination. Seed propagation takes longer but results in beautiful, fragrant flowers with proper care.

Night-Blooming Jasmine Fragrance and Bloom Time

Night-blooming jasmine, also known as Cestrum nocturnum, is a popular plant among gardeners for its unique ability to release an enchanting fragrance under the cover of darkness. This powerful aroma is known to captivate and charm those who catch a whiff of it, creating a memorable and pleasurable experience for all.

The flowering season for night-blooming jasmine generally spans from spring to fall, with the potential for multiple blooming periods throughout the warmer months. The precise timing of these blooms may vary depending on factors such as climate, light, and care. However, it is in these moments that the true essence of night-blooming jasmine is revealed.

The small, tubular, inconspicuous flowers of night-blooming jasmine are typically white or pale, yellowish-green in color. As the sun sets, these blossoms open up to release their fragrance into the night air. It is essential to remember that the scent of the flowers is not released during the daylight hours. This aspect of night-blooming jasmine adds an air of mystique to the plant, as it quietly conceals its fragrant abilities until the evening hours.

Another striking characteristic of night-blooming jasmine is its capability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. These petite creatures are drawn to the copious nectar and alluring fragrance, ensuring the survival and propagation of the plant.

For optimal enjoyment of night-blooming jasmine’s aromatic blooms, consider planting it close to outdoor spaces like patios, balconies, or windows with accessible airflow. This placement allows the captivating fragrance to be fully appreciated by you and your guests, creating an unforgettable atmosphere during the blooming season.

Summary

Night-Blooming Jasmine is cherished for its enchanting nighttime fragrance, typically blooming from spring to fall. Its small, tubular flowers open at night, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. To fully appreciate the captivating scent, plant it near patios, balconies, or windows with good airflow, creating a memorable atmosphere during the blooming season.

Night-Blooming Jasmine Location and Planting in Pots

Night-blooming jasmine, also known as Cestrum nocturnum, is an evergreen shrub that fills the air with a sweet fragrance when its tubular flowers bloom at night. To ensure a healthy plant, choosing the right location and caring for potted plants properly is essential.

When selecting a location for your night-blooming jasmine, consider that it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so choose a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown outdoors, night-blooming jasmine should be spaced at least four feet apart to accommodate its wide-spreading roots.

If your climate is cooler or if you want to grow the plant indoors, planting in pots is the way to go. Use a pot with at least one drainage hole to prevent water buildup, which can cause root rot. A mixture of sandy soil and peat moss works well as a potting medium for night-blooming jasmine, but make sure to keep the pH at a healthy level (around 6.0-7.5).

When potting the plant, follow these steps:

1. Soak the seeds for twelve hours in a small bowl of water before planting.
2. Fill the pot with the sandy soil and peat moss mixture, leaving a few inches of space at the top.
3. Place the soaked seeds in the soil, lightly covering them with the potting mixture.
4. Water the soil thoroughly and keep it consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
5. Place the potted plant in a sunny spot, ensuring that it receives ample sunlight.

Keep in mind that night-blooming jasmine plants will eventually become root-bound. As a general rule, repotting should be done every two years to ensure healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too crowded in its pot.

Summary

Night-Blooming Jasmine thrives in USDA zones 8-11 with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. For indoor or cooler climates, plant in pots with a sandy soil and peat moss mixture, ensuring good drainage. Soak seeds before planting, water consistently, and place the pot in a sunny spot. Repot every two years to maintain healthy growth and prevent root-bound issues.

Selecting Similar Plants

If you enjoy the beauty and fragrance of night-blooming jasmine, you may also appreciate other similar plants as additions to your garden. These plants share some similar growing requirements and possess unique features that make them great companions to your night-blooming jasmine.

Among these plants are the following:

• Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale): This popular species of jasmine produces white, fragrant flowers from summer to fall. Like the night-blooming jasmine, it prefers well-draining soil and regular watering. It can be grown as a vine or shrub and is perfect for trellises, fences, or hedges.
• Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides): Gardenias produce beautiful, sweet-smelling white flowers ideal for gardens and landscapes. These plants prefer a slightly acidic, well-draining soil similar to night-blooming jasmine, with a pH level of 5.0 to 6.5.
• Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa): This perennial plant produces white, trumpet-shaped flowers with a distinctive fragrance. It requires well-draining soil and consistent moisture during the growing season. It thrives in full sun or light shade and can be planted as bulbs, making it an excellent choice for containers or borders.
• Moonflower (Ipomoea alba): These fast-growing vines produce large, fragrant white flowers that open at dusk and close by morning. They prefer well-draining soil and regular watering, much like the night-blooming jasmine. Their gorgeous blooms make them excellent for trellises, fences, or arbors.

When selecting similar plants to grow alongside your night-blooming jasmine, consider their growing requirements, fragrance, blooming periods, and space requirements to ensure a harmonious and fragrant garden experience.

Over to you…

With proper care and attention, you can enjoy the sensory delights Night-Blooming Jasmine offers throughout the year. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into growing and caring for this captivating plant. For even more information on jasmine flowers and other gardening topics, we invite you to explore our blog and continue your journey toward creating a beautiful, fragrant oasis.

FAQs

Does night blooming jasmine need a trellis?

While Night-Blooming Jasmine does not necessarily require a trellis, providing one can help support the plant and give it a more structured appearance. Since it has a sprawling habit, a trellis can assist in keeping the plant contained and prevent it from spreading too much. Additionally, a trellis can help showcase the beautiful blooms and make it easier to enjoy the enchanting fragrance. However, if you prefer, you can let it grow more freely as a shrub or hedge without a trellis.

What is the difference between jasmine and night jasmine?

Jasmine and Night Jasmine are distinct plants with similar fragrances and appearances. Jasmine, from the Oleaceae family, includes species like Jasminum officinale and Jasminum sambac, with fragrant white or yellow flowers that bloom during the day. Night Jasmine, Cestrum nocturnum, belongs to the Solanaceae family and produces tubular, greenish-white or yellow flowers with a sweet fragrance at night. Despite different families and blooming habits, both are popular garden choices for their captivating scents and beauty.

Does Night Jasmine repel mosquitoes?

Night Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) has been reported to have some mosquito-repellent properties due to its strong fragrance, which can help mask human scents and make it harder for mosquitoes to locate people. However, the effectiveness of Night Jasmine as a mosquito repellent may vary, and it should not be solely relied upon for keeping mosquitoes away. For a more effective solution, consider using proven mosquito-repellent products or plants known for their strong mosquito-repelling properties, such as citronella or lemongrass.

What are other names for Night-Blooming Jasmine?

Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is known by several other names, including:

1. Queen of the Night
2. Lady of the Night
3. Night Jessamine
4. Night-Scented Jessamine
5. Night Cestrum
6. Night-Blooming Cestrum

These names all refer to the same plant, which is characterized by its tubular greenish-white or yellow flowers that release a captivating fragrance at night.

Article Sources:

• NC State Extension
• South Florida Plant Guide