Cestrum is a genus of 232 accepted species of large flowering shrubs that are mostly evergreen and native to the warm temperate to tropical climates of Central and South America. They are members of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and are commonly called jessamine due to their fragrant flowers. Cestrum is a genus of plants containing over 200 species, with most varieties producing clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers.

Understanding the Context

Pronounced [SES-trum], Cestrum plants are native to warm and tropical regions of North and South America, particularly Florida and parts of Texas. Cestrum is drought tolerant once established. Amidst light green shiny leaves arise sprays of small, tubular, very fragrant, yellow-green flowers on the ends of the stems, flowering from late spring to autumn, and which produce clusters of small, black, egg-shaped berries during summer and autumn. Cestrums is a robust, spreading shrub reaching heights of around 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters).

Key Insights

Its branches are adorned with elongated leaves and clusters of slender, tubular flowers that showcase a bright cascade from spring until the onset of winter. Fall is the best time to plant and flowering woody perennials. Those that bloom in the fall are among the most desirable garden selections and warrant special attention in this season. Being woody, ... They are shrubs growing to 1–4 m (3 ft 3 in – 13 ft 1 in) tall.

Final Thoughts

Most are evergreen; a few are deciduous. All parts of the plants are toxic, causing severe gastroenteritis if eaten. Several species are grown as ornamental plants for their strongly scented flowers. Learn more about Cestrum Cestrum uplifts us with a beautiful inflorescence, panicles shaped like umbels. It stands apart from other plants thanks to its very agreeable fragrance. It is an excellent plant to grow in a veranda.

Indeed, it needs heat in summer and a certain amount of coolness in winter, and lots of light. Careful, toxic! Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is a fast-growing woody shrub. Part of the Solanaceae family, which also includes potatoes and tomatoes, the plant isn't a true jasmine.