How to Grow and Care for Night Blooming Jasmine

Night Blooming Jasmine, or Cestrum nocturnum, is a fast-growing shrub celebrated for its powerful, sweet fragrance released only at night. Its small, tubular flowers perfume the evening air, making it a popular choice for gardens and patios. Although a member of the Solanaceae family alongside tomatoes, this plant is not a true jasmine and requires specific care to flourish.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Night Blooming Jasmine

Light

To produce an abundance of flowers, Night Blooming Jasmine needs a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant can survive in partial shade, especially in intensely hot climates where some afternoon protection is beneficial. However, more sun exposure directly correlates with more prolific blooming.

Soil

This shrub thrives in fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter and can adapt to various types, including sandy and loamy compositions. Amending the planting area with compost before planting improves the soil’s structure and fertility. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, in the range of 6.0 to 7.5.

Water

Consistent moisture is important during the active growing season in spring and summer. Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. To determine watering needs, check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, water deeply. During the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows.

Temperature and Humidity

Native to subtropical regions, Night Blooming Jasmine prefers warm temperatures and high humidity, making it best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. This shrub is not frost-tolerant, though established plants might withstand brief temperature drops to around 25°F. In climates colder than zone 8, grow it in a container that can be moved indoors before the first frost.

Fertilizer

To support rapid growth and flowering, Night Blooming Jasmine benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide a foundation for the season. To promote more blooms, use a liquid fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content every four to six weeks during spring and summer.

Pruning for Health and Blooms

Regular pruning is needed to manage this shrub’s vigorous growth. Pruning maintains a desirable shape, prevents the base from becoming woody and sparse, and removes dead or damaged branches. This practice also stimulates the new growth where the plant produces its flowers.

The best time to prune is after a major flowering cycle finishes, allowing the plant to produce new, flower-bearing stems. A hard pruning of up to one-third of the plant can be done in late winter or early spring. This will rejuvenate an overgrown shrub or shape it before the growing season.

Use clean, sharp shears to make cuts just above a leaf node or branching point to encourage a fuller form. Throughout the growing season, you can lightly trim the plant to maintain its shape. Deadheading spent flower clusters will redirect the plant’s energy toward producing new flowers instead of seeds.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Lack of Flowers

The most common cause for a lack of flowers is insufficient sunlight, as the plant needs several hours of direct sun to set buds. Another reason can be improper fertilization. Too much nitrogen encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers, so switching to a bloom-boosting formula may help.

Pests

Aphids and whiteflies are the most likely pests and tend to gather on new growth and the undersides of leaves. These can be managed by spraying the affected areas with a strong stream of water. You can also apply insecticidal soap according to the product’s directions.

Leaf Problems

Yellowing leaves often point to a cultural issue rather than a disease. The most common cause is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If the soil is soggy, reduce watering and ensure the pot or planting site has adequate drainage. Yellow leaves can also indicate a nutrient deficiency, like a lack of iron, which can be corrected with a targeted fertilizer.

Toxicity Information

All parts of the Night Blooming Jasmine plant are toxic if ingested, and its small, white berries are particularly poisonous. Due to this toxicity, the plant should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Consider planting it in a protected area or a container that can be moved to a secure location if curious pets or small children are present.