Night blooming Jasmine, or “queen of the night,” is a tropical plant from the West Indies and Central America. It belongs to the nightshade family and is famous for its strong, sweet fragrance at night, similar to jasmine and gardenia. Its flowers open at dusk and close by morning, giving a unique night-blooming charm. With dark green leaves and pale flowers, it adds a tropical look to gardens.
Gardeners love it for its amazing scent, easy care, and flexible design—it grows well in pots, as a vine, or as a bush. It blooms from spring to fall, filling warm nights with fragrance and beauty.
Understanding Night Blooming Jasmine
Even though it is called “night-blooming jasmine,” it is not a true jasmine and doesn’t belong to the Jasminum genus.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cestrum nocturnum |
| Family | Nightshade (Solanaceae) |
| Origin | Native to the West Indies; spread to South Asia |
| Plant Type | Evergreen woody shrub |
| Size | Up to to 15 feet tall |
| Leaf Shape | Narrow, 6-20 cm long |
| Flowers | Greenish-white, yellow/golden, tube-shaped, 2-2.5 cm long |
| Soil | Prefers light, sandy soil with neutral pH |
| Hardiness Zones | USA 8-11 |
| Fertilizer | Can use diluted seaweed or fish emulsion |
| Toxicity | Contains solanine; may cause illness if ingested |
| Uses | Extracts are effective in repelling mosquito larvae |
| Invasiveness | Rapid growth in tropical areas; can become invasive |
| Control | Difficult to remove once established |
Ideal Growing Conditions for Night Blooming Jasmine
Light Requirements
Night-blooming jasmine needs full sun or partial shade to grow well. It does best with 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. While it can handle some shade, it won’t flower as much in low light. If you are growing it indoors, make sure it gets bright, indirect light.
Temperature
The plant thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and can handle up to 95°F (35°C) if it has enough moisture. However, it cannot survive freezing temperatures, so bring it indoors if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).
Humidity
It prefers moderate humidity levels between 40-70%. If the humidity is too low, the plant might lose leaves or stop blooming. You can increase humidity by misting the plant or placing a pebble tray nearby.
Soil Requirements
Night-blooming jasmine likes well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.6 and 7.5. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil and make sure it has good drainage to prevent root rot.
How to Care for Night Blooming Jasmine
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and increase watering in hot, dry weather to prevent wilting. Water less in winter when the plant grows slower, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water to prevent root rot. These plants are moisture lovers, so keep the soil consistently damp but well-drained.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced, water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Dilute to half strength to avoid over-fertilizing and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that may promote excessive leaf growth and fewer flowers. Stop fertilizing in winter when the plant rests. These plants do best in fertile soil, so ensure they get the nutrients they need during the growing season.
Pruning
Prune in early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead or damaged branches, trim long stems for a neat appearance, pinch back new growth to encourage branching, and remove spent flowers to promote more blooms. Annual pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages fresh growth.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years in spring, choosing a pot one size larger. Use a well-draining mix, like potting soil with perlite and compost, and ensure the new pot has drainage holes to avoid water buildup. Handle the plant gently to avoid damaging the roots during repotting.
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Propagating Night Blooming Jasmine
To propagate night-blooming jasmine, it’s best to take cuttings in spring or early summer when the plant is growing. Don’t cut in winter when the plant is resting. Choose healthy stems that are 4-6 inches long, free from pests or diseases. Cut just below a leaf node, where roots will grow. Use clean, sharp scissors. Remove the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top. You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone to help it grow roots.
Next, plant the cuttings in a well-draining mix and keep the soil moist, not soggy. Cover with a clear plastic bag or dome to keep humidity high. Place the cuttings in a warm spot, out of direct sunlight. Check regularly, and mist the soil if it starts to dry. After 4-6 weeks, when new growth appears, remove the plastic cover. When the roots are strong, move the cuttings into separate pots.
After the cuttings root, slowly adjust them to their new spot over 1-2 weeks. Then, transplant them into their final place in the garden or a bigger pot. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Following these simple steps makes propagating night-blooming jasmine easy!
Common Problems and Solutions
Leaf Drop: Overwatering, underwatering, low humidity, or sudden temperature changes can cause leaf drops. To fix this, adjust your watering habits, increase humidity, and place the plant in a stable environment.
Yellowing Leaves: This can be caused by nutrient deficiency, overwatering, or too much sun. Use a balanced fertilizer, change your watering habits, and provide more shade to address the issue.
Wilting Leaves: Wilting can result from underwatering, root rot, or pests. Water the plant, check for root rot, and treat any pests to help revive it.
Lack of Flowers: If your plant isn’t flowering, it may not be getting enough light, it could be pruned incorrectly, or it may have received too much fertilizer. Provide more sunlight, prune properly, and cut back on fertilizer.
Pests: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are common pests. Remove pests by hand, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and keep the plant clean to control them.
Diseases: Powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot are common diseases. Improve airflow, adjust watering, and remove any affected plant parts to prevent them from spreading.
Toxicity: The plant is toxic if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets, and don’t eat any part of the plant.
Invasive Growth: The plant can spread too much in some areas. Control its growth and remove any extra seedlings to keep it in check.
FAQs
What plants are like night-blooming jasmine?
Night-blooming jasmine is often mistaken for other Cestrum varieties with yellow flowers. Willow-leaved jessamine (Cestrum parqui) and orange jessamine (Cestrum aurantiacum) are similar shrubs with fragrant tubular flowers.
How far apart should I plant night-blooming jasmine?
Plant night-blooming jasmine at least four feet apart because its roots spread widely. It’s best to plant them in spring after the last frost.
Does night-blooming jasmine need a lot of water?
Yes, night-blooming Jasmine loves moisture. Water it often to keep it healthy and blooming. During winter, water less once the plant is established.
How much sunlight does Night-Blooming Jasmine need?
Night-blooming jasmine thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best blooms, it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. In hot climates, some afternoon shade is helpful.