Night Jasmine

The Night Blooming Jasmine is often grown as an outdoor shrubby climber that can densely cover a trellis or pergola, screening outdoor spaces in USDA hardiness zones 8b-11a. Gardeners in cooler zones can grow this tropical plant as a low-maintenance, flowering houseplant. This tropical plant from Central America and the West Indies blooms dependably and profusely, both indoors and outdoors. The stout stems reach a maximum height of 2-3 feet when grown in a container and can be heavily pruned after flowering to maintain a compact and mounded shape. The white flowers open in the evening hours and are exquisitely fragrant. Botanically known as Cestrum nocturnum, it is also called Queen of the Night, Night Scented Jessamine, or the ominous Poisonberry.Best Locations For Growing Night JasmineThis moderate grower is easily kept small enough to be placed on a shelf, plant stand, or tabletop. The moderate humidity of most homes is suitable for Night Jasmine. Use a fine mist spray bottle with distilled water to provide a boost of humidity around the plant during dry periods, as typical tap water can spot the glossy leaves. Night Jasmine thrives when placed among other tropical plants. Ensure plenty of ventilation during blooming, as the scent can be overpowering in a closed room. Deadheading Night Jasmine when the flowers fade prevents it from forming the white berries that are extremely toxic to both humans and pets.Night Jasmine Sunlight RequirementsBright direct sunlight is ideal for encouraging Night Jasmine to bloom, although diffused light and even medium light will keep the plant healthy and thriving. Place the plant directly in an east or west-facing window to take advantage of direct sun exposure during part of the day.Night Jasmine CareUse an all-purpose indoor potting mix with extra perlite for drainage. Adding a scoop or two of fine orchid bark will enrich the potting mix as it breaks down. Ensure excellent drainage from both the potting mix and the pot itself. Roots exposed to standing water or overly soggy soil are highly prone to rot.Watering Night JasmineAllow the top inch or so of potting mix to dry between waterings. During the growing season (spring and summer), watering every 5-7 days is typical. In winter months, watering can be reduced to once every 10-14 days, depending on the dryness of your home. Plants with supplemental humidity dry out much more slowly. If the tips or edges of the leaves begin to brown, the humidity levels may be too low. You can increase the humidity using a fine mist spray bottle every other day or by grouping the plant next to others.Feeding Night JasmineFertilizer designed to support blooming should be applied only during the active growth period in spring and summer. Orchid or African Violet fertilizer is ideal due to its high phosphorus ratio, which supports flower development and strong growth. Apply once a month at half the manufacturer’s recommended dosage from April to August.Night Jasmine InformationLight Exposure: Bright Direct LightMature Height: 8 – 10 FeetMature Spread: 3 FeetHabit: UprightFlower Color(s): Green, WhiteFoliage Color(s): GreenWatering: Frequent WateringFeatures: FragrantCommon Name: Night JasmineOther Name(s): Queen of the Night, Night Scented JessamineScientific Name: Cestrum nocturnum