The Night Blooming Jasmine, scientifically known as Cestrum nocturnum, is a fast-growing, tropical evergreen shrub prized for its powerful, intoxicating nighttime fragrance. This plant, sometimes called the “Lady of the Night,” releases its scent from tubular, greenish-white flowers that open exclusively after sunset to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths. The intense perfume has made it a highly sought-after specimen for placement near patios and bedroom windows in warm climates. Cestrum nocturnum belongs to the Solanaceae family, and all parts of the plant, including the small white berries and foliage, contain toxic alkaloids if ingested.
Site Selection and Soil Requirements
The Night Blooming Jasmine is a tropical species that naturally thrives in consistently warm environments, making it reliably hardy outdoors only within USDA zones 9 through 11. Gardeners in cooler regions must cultivate it in containers so the plant can be moved indoors during the winter months, protecting it from freezing temperatures. For optimal flowering, this shrub requires a location that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light will diminish the frequency and intensity of its fragrant blooms.
The shrub demands a rich, fertile soil mixture that provides adequate nutrients while remaining highly porous. Soil composition should be well-draining to prevent water from collecting around the roots, which can lead to fungal problems like root rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, is suitable for healthy growth. Incorporating plenty of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, before planting enhances the soil structure and nutrient retention capabilities.
Planting and Initial Establishment
The best time to plant Night Blooming Jasmine is in the spring or early summer, after the final threat of frost has completely passed and soil temperatures have begun to rise. When preparing the planting site, the hole should be dug approximately twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, ensuring the plant’s crown sits level with the surrounding grade. If the plant is root-bound in its nursery container, gently loosen the outer roots before placement to encourage them to spread into the new soil.
After setting the plant, gently backfill the soil and tamp it down firmly to remove air pockets. Water deeply and thoroughly to saturate the area, helping the soil settle and establish immediate root contact. Consistent moisture is necessary during the first few weeks until the roots take hold. If the plant is a sprawling variety, or if you intend to train it as a vine, install a trellis or other support structure at the time of planting to prevent branches from breaking later.
Routine Care: Watering, Feeding, and Pruning
Watering
Night Blooming Jasmine requires a consistent watering schedule. Established plants should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but never completely waterlogged. This practice is especially important during the peak growing season in summer. The frequency should be significantly reduced during the cooler, dormant winter months.
Feeding
The shrub is a heavy feeder that benefits from regular fertilization throughout its active growth period, typically from spring through the end of summer. Applying a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 monthly supports its rapid growth and continuous blooming. Alternatively, water-soluble fertilizers can be used every two weeks for a quick boost of nutrients. Using a fertilizer that is too high in nitrogen can stimulate excessive leafy growth at the expense of flower production, so a balanced formulation is recommended.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary due to the plant’s naturally fast and sprawling growth habit. The best time to prune is immediately after a flowering cycle has finished, or during the late winter before the spring growth flush begins. Annual pruning helps maintain a desired shape, whether as a compact shrub or a trained climber, and encourages the development of new flowering wood. Hard pruning, which involves cutting back older, woodier stems, can be performed to rejuvenate an aging plant and manage its overall size.
Managing Common Pests and Environmental Stress
Gardeners should monitor for common sap-sucking pests that target new, tender growth. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are the most frequent culprits and can cause distortion of leaves and general plant decline. Minor infestations can often be managed by simply spraying the affected areas with a strong jet of water to dislodge the insects. More persistent pest problems can be treated effectively with applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural neem oil.
Environmental stress often manifests as chlorosis, or the yellowing of leaves, which can indicate a nutrient deficiency or poor drainage. If regular feeding is in place, leaf yellowing may suggest a deficiency in micronutrients like iron or magnesium, requiring a specific amendment rather than general fertilizer. Since the plant is tropical, the greatest environmental threat is cold; any temperatures approaching freezing require immediate protection. Container plants must be moved to a sheltered, warmer location to prevent cold damage. Extremely high temperatures can also cause stress, sometimes reducing the fragrance of the blooms, so providing afternoon shade in scorching climates helps mitigate heat-related issues.