Cestrum Species, Night Blooming Jasmine, Night Scented Jessamine, Queen of the Night
Cestrum nocturnum
Family: | Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Cestrum (SES-trum) (Info) |
Species: | nocturnum (NOK-ter-num) (Info) |

Category:
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Evergreen
Foliage Color:
Blue-Green
Height:
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Spacing:
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Suitable for growing in containers
Danger:
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color:
Pale Green
Bloom Characteristics:
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter
Blooms repeatedly
Other details:
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
By air layering
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Birmingham, Alabama
Fairhope, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Phoenix, Arizona
Alameda, California
Berkeley, California
Capistrano Beach, California
Chico, California
Crockett, California
Davis, California
Elk Grove, California
Fallbrook, California(5 reports)
Glendora, California
La Jolla, California
Laguna Beach, California(2 reports)
Los Angeles, California(2 reports)
Martinez, California
Merced, California
Milpitas, California
Ontario, California
Ramona, California
Roseville, California
San Clemente, California
San Diego, California(3 reports)
San Francisco, California
Santa Barbara, California
Stockton, California
Valley Center, California
Van Nuys, California
Ventura, California
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Babson Park, Florida
Bartow, Florida(2 reports)
Big Pine Key, Florida
Bonifay, Florida
Boynton Beach, Florida
Brooksville, Florida(2 reports)
Cape Coral, Florida(4 reports)
Clearwater, Florida
Cocoa, Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida(2 reports)
Deland, Florida
Englewood, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida(2 reports)
Fort Meade, Florida
Groveland, Florida
Hobe Sound, Florida
Hollywood, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida(4 reports)
Labelle, Florida
Lake Butler, Florida
Lake Mary, Florida
Lutz, Florida
Maitland, Florida
Miami, Florida(3 reports)
New Port Richey, Florida(2 reports)
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
North Fort Myers, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Odessa, Florida(2 reports)
Oldsmar, Florida
Orange Park, Florida
Orlando, Florida(4 reports)
Palm Coast, Florida
Pensacola, Florida(2 reports)
Pompano Beach, Florida(2 reports)
Riverview, Florida
Rockledge, Florida
Saint Cloud, Florida
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Sorrento, Florida
Summerfield, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Venice, Florida
Vero Beach, Florida(2 reports)
West Palm Beach, Florida(2 reports)
Wimauma, Florida
Winter Garden, Florida
Winter Haven, Florida
Winter Park, Florida
Yulee, Florida
Zephyrhills, Florida(2 reports)
Hawkinsville, Georgia
Marietta, Georgia
Thomasville, Georgia
Townsend, Georgia
Woodland, Georgia
Honolulu, Hawaii
Kihei, Hawaii
South Beloit, Illinois
Morristown, Indiana
Wichita, Kansas
Abita Springs, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana(3 reports)
Houma, Louisiana(2 reports)
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lake Charles, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Prairieville, Louisiana
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Saint Michaels, Maryland
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Carriere, Mississippi
Golden, Mississippi
Warrenton, Missouri
Otoe, Nebraska
Brooklyn, New York
Cortlandt Manor, New York
Staten Island, New York
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Morrisville, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Conway, South Carolina
Florence, South Carolina
Fountain Inn, South Carolina
Greenwood, South Carolina
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Seabrook, South Carolina
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Lake City, Tennessee
Ace, Texas
Austin, Texas
Baytown, Texas(2 reports)
Brazoria, Texas
China, Texas
Deer Park, Texas
Edinburg, Texas
El Paso, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas
Galveston, Texas
Garland, Texas
Harlingen, Texas
Houston, Texas(3 reports)
Huffman, Texas
Katy, Texas
League City, Texas
Manvel, Texas
Mont Belvieu, Texas
Murchison, Texas
Nome, Texas
Plano, Texas(2 reports)
Richardson, Texas
Richmond, Texas
Rockport, Texas
San Antonio, Texas(3 reports)
Seabrook, Texas
Spring, Texas(2 reports)
Temple, Texas
Texas City, Texas
Radford, Virginia
Kalama, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Madison, Wisconsin
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Neutral | On Apr 26, 2018, Coco7 from Marblehead, MA wrote: When can I bring this plant outside ( zone 5-6) ? |
Positive | On Sep 4, 2017, GrandmaBlack from Elizabethtown, PA wrote: I am growing one for the first time in Pennsylvania USA zone 6b. I found it at my local farmers market. It smells wonderful! |
Neutral | On Mar 17, 2017, smac17 from Georgetown, TX wrote: Friend from work just gave me this plant... and man, that odor is powerful. By the time I left work (kept it under the desk) everyone was asking "what's that smell??" And it's just a tiny nursery plant in a 1 gallon container. Afraid to let this thing grow... |
Neutral | On Aug 29, 2016, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: This species is a large, coarse, rangy, and rather dowdy looking woody shrub. It does not twine or climb. It is not related to the true jasmines, though to some the scent is similar. |
Positive | On Aug 13, 2016, rainytexas from Richardson, TX wrote: A single night-blooming jasmine plant growing near my mother's home in Fort Myers, Fla. would provide fragrance for the entire neighborhood. It was amazing! I've been growing NBJ in a pot for several years and am thinking about putting it in the ground. Has anyone had any success growing it outdoors in Zone 8a (Texas)? |
Positive | On Jul 13, 2016, Maria_Valdes from Tampa, FL wrote: I love my Jasmine plant. It is in bloom most of the time. My plant is in the back yard, and the perfume is all over my front yard too, it is great. |
Positive | On Oct 29, 2015, lavndr_ocean from Saint Cloud, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: I would like to know if anybody has photos of the seed pods for this plant? I have one bush-'m going to propogate it via new growth but am curious of the seeds-truthfully, other than the smell and trimming, I've basically neglected this plant for the better part of 5 yrs. Even though it's one of my all-time favorites. We're going to begin some work on the yard and would like to start new plants in the backyard eventually so I'd like to view seeds and then collect them, once I know what they look like. Thank you in advance. |
Positive | On Aug 17, 2015, esanita from Tyaskin, MD (Zone 7a) wrote: I live in zone 7a, so Cestrum nocturnum is a house plant for me. I have bought several from different places over the years and found that the fragrance is stronger on some plants and much milder on others. So it depends on the particular plant you get. This is a shrub, not a vine. To propagate it, just cut off a stem, remove lower leaves, and stick it in water till roots form -- it doesn't take very long. It does need hard pruning if grown as a house plant. I love the fragrance. |
Positive | On Aug 12, 2015, Ted_B from Birmingham, AL (Zone 8a) wrote: I do not recommend this as an indoor plant due to its *powerful* evening perfume when in bloom, which may or may not be to one's liking, and can be overwhelming. As such, this plant should be kept outdoors, and only be overwintered indoors where necessary. |
Negative | On Aug 12, 2015, mattkjackson from Seattle, WA wrote: This plant is vigorous and fast-growing for me. I planted a cutting in a container during the spring, and it has already grown large enough that I have pruned it back several times to avoid it growing lanky (it's mid-August as I write this.) We are experiencing an unusual dry, hot summer for the Seattle area, and Cestrum nocturnum is tolerating it well, though cannot handle the full sunlight of days over 85 degrees without wilting significantly. Heavy watering helps the plant recover over the cooler evenings, though it seems to tolerate being dry several days in a row just fine, perking back up once I water it. I think the heat is the catalyst that triggered it to explode into bloom for the first time this week. And since that has started, I no longer have positive thoughts on this plant. ... read more |
Positive | On Feb 28, 2015, smileclick from Sydney, I have a young Night flowering Jasmine about 3' tall in a small pot. It has a powerfully strong fragrance, once the sun sets. I found its best kept at a distance from my balcony door, as the frangrant can be too strong, and not very sweet. |
Positive | On Nov 24, 2014, gdnally from Fort Myers, FL wrote: I have 4 Night Blooming Jasmine and I love the fragrance, however I am having a problem with two of the plants and was hoping someone could help me. Two of the plants bloom and thrive very well but two are struggling and have yet to bloom. I have had all 4 for several years and they were all planted at the same time. At first only one plant bloomed, then another, but two of the plants have not. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you |
Positive | On Oct 26, 2014, tracyb433 from Winter Haven, FL wrote: My mother had this in our front yard and I always loved the smell in the evenings. I now have one that is more of a tree that a bush and stands well over 15 ft tall and 15ft wide. I can prune as much or as little as I want and it keeps striving. I have it on the east side of the home where it gets lots of morning and afternoon sun then falls into shade late afternoon. Kept it watered until it rooted well and throw some fertilizer on it maybe once a year. It is smothered in blooms right now and still smells heavenly even at noon, with the blooms closed. It also provides great shade for my porch and a privacy barrier to my neighbors. |
Positive | On Jul 1, 2014, Phytowarrior from Brisbane, I remember growing up by the ocean in Sydney (Australia) that during the summer months whilst doing my homework late at night I would be intoxicated by a scent that could only be described as summer permeating the second story window yet during the day could never see any flowers which produced the scent. |
Positive | On May 12, 2014, malika1 from Toa Baja, PR (Zone 11) wrote: I have lots of this plant for trade, looking for rare scented tropicals and roses....Frank :) |
Positive | On Aug 29, 2013, Rita61 from Rock Hill, SC (Zone 8a) wrote: I love my Night Blooming Jasmine. I keep it outside during the Spring and Summer and bring it on my enclosed porch in the Fall. It blooms all through the Winter and my porch smells heavenly. I live in South Carolina and have no problems with it at all. |
Positive | On Jun 19, 2013, pearl from (Deb) Pensacola, FL (Zone 8a) wrote: This is a very forgiving shrub to grow. As it says it grows to be about 8 - 10 feet tall. I give it a hard pruning in late spring to about half it's size and it always comes back lush with new growth. Very easy to propagate with either softwood cutting or by layering. |
Positive | On May 12, 2013, premanand from Bhubaneswar, The Night-Queen or Raat ki Rani (as known in INDIA) is a very good sceneted plant. Here at India this plant don't need any extra care as it will grow in full sunlight or even in shadow. But due to its strong scent you should plant it a little distance from your window as it is just like heavenly feeling if you get the light smell. Remember to cut the over grown parts regularly as the new branches will flower soon. |
Positive | On Jun 30, 2012, fishbucket from Bayonet Point, FL wrote: Nothing like the smell of the night bloomer! my neighbors are envious! I don't even water it or tend to it except to trim it away from where I park my boat....One is enough though. Don't go for the over-kill smell. It is a very enjoyable passionate smell that I enjoy. |
Neutral | On Jun 11, 2012, TheMTChelle from Cocoa, FL wrote: I bought what I believe to be Night Blooming Jasmine (it was labeled such at Walmart) last fall. It is growing rapidly, the vines wrapping and twining around a trellis I purchased just for the plant. It grows and grows, but no blooms! It's now June. Can anyone advise how long it takes for this plant to bloom? Also, why would some people report blooms with no smell? Are some plants cheap and poorly cultivated or something, depending on where you buy them? Any and all advice welcome! :) |
Neutral | On Feb 2, 2012, serenityowl from Greenwood, SC wrote: I purchased a two foot tall plant in Spring of last year. I grew up in California and we had night blooming jasmine outside the kitchen window. The scent was heavenly and I wanted to recapture those memories. I planted in full sun near a bird feeder thinking the post would offer some support. I waited eagerly for it to grow and bloom, but I never had a blooming period and thought that perhaps the plant is simply "too young". I agonized as I watched it drop it's leaves and turn brown this winter. I am hoping that with spring, it will regain it's greenery and maybe have a blooming season this year. It has not been a difficult winter here in South Carolina ... is it typical for the plant to brown during the cold season?? The other jasmine I planted during the same time period (Mandevilla) blo... read more |
Positive | On Jun 11, 2011, susankewn from Marco de Canaveses, After reading this page last year, I decided I would try to find a plant - I love fragrance! After much hunting I found a really nice sized one - about 2 feet tall - by accident in a very small nursery. |
Positive | On Jun 1, 2011, td1026 from Groveland, FL wrote: It's no surprise that this plant is very common throughout Florida! It's one of my favorites, one I definitely could not go without. The scent is absolutely amazing. There is nothing quite like it. It's pungent and sweet, strong and sensual. Reminiscent of candy, very much like bubblegum. I picked up a number of these at a Lowe's in Clermont after some searching. I would follow the advice some have given about acclimating this plant to full sun as a lot of the bottom leaves on 3 of my specimens turned yellow and dropped off after immediate planting in all day full sun! 2 of the plants have about 6-7 hours while the others have 8-9 hours of sun and the former are looking better and don't need as much water. I heard these were drought tolerant, but since mine aren't established yet, I've had... read more |
Positive | On May 11, 2011, SkeptikSharon from Ontario, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: My neighbor has a large specimen of this plant growing right next to the fence line (chain link fence). It definitely grows thick and requires pruning. I have never once noticed a smell to the night blooming jasmine, and now I am curious about what it is supposed to smell like and why this one wouldn't really smell. I do love the beautiful little flowers on it, whether they last long or not. I am going to try to grow one from cuttings from this one to fill in a corner of my backyard that is in need of something. |
Negative | On Jan 23, 2011, bobbear from Bayside, NY wrote: when i lived in Laguna Bch Ca. i had a number of jasmines..lovely scented pink and white varietys..and a great large stepahotis(madagascar jasmine) ..all lovely scented...i did also have one Night Blooming Jasimine(jessamine) and i had to chop it back substantially because of its unwelcomed and cloying fragrance..i guess i could ony describe it as if someone poured sticky honey all over your face.....not welcomed at all...my partner at the time loved the scent but it was so overwhelming that we'd have disagreements on the plants value in the garden..its not a pretty nor delicate refreshing fragrance as other jasmines are........an unwelcome and invasive plant in the garden in my opinion...... |
Positive | On Nov 26, 2010, deepseas72 from Houma, LA (Zone 9a) wrote: Can anything be more heavenly than the scent of Night Blooming Jasmine on a sultry summer night? It makes one pause and search eagerly for the source. Hummingbird moths adore it. To view the plant in the light of day, you would never suspect it of greatness. It is utterly ordinary and unremarkable in appearance, but if you have a spare corner in the yard, you will never regret planting it. The sweet memories associated with it's scent will stay with you for a lifetime. |
Neutral | On Nov 5, 2010, aythya_americana from Perrysburg, OH wrote: Just a note to someone who said that they had seen a baby hummingbird on their plant--hummingbirds would not be nectaring on a plant at night or in the late evening. Also, a hummingbird big enough to fly would be at least 2 inches long, and that's for the smallest species in the world. What you saw was probably a moth. |
Neutral | On Oct 28, 2010, beachwalker520 from New Smyrna Beach, FL wrote: When my husband and I honeymooned in Bermuda almost 40 years ago, I took away with me the memory of the night blooming jasmine, along with a bottle of the perfume. Seeing the plant at a local nursery I thought it would add a scent which was lacking in our back yard. I placed it right off the sliders of our bedroom so it could perfume that wing of the house. It has bloomed and grown nicely, but no scent. If it doesn't provide some after growing another year I will probably relocate it somewhere else. |
Negative | On Oct 25, 2010, tulpen from Los Angeles, CA wrote: Sorry, of course it all depends on what one is looking for... But this is not an attractive plant, mainly large leaves, extremely invasive that requires a lot of pruning to keep it in check and as for the blooms - tiny, short lasting and not worth all the effort. I don't mind the fragrance. |
Neutral | On Oct 25, 2010, LeslieT from Bellaire, TX wrote: I loved the smell of this plant (would NEVER plant it too close to a house). However, despite having bought at least two, if not three, labeled specimens of this plant from reputable nurseries, I never ONCE got one that had any fragrance at all! What I got were lanky, unattractive climbing shrubs with ZERO smell at night. |
Positive | On Sep 25, 2010, mentinsel from BREST, Hello from FRANCE |
Neutral | On Jun 4, 2010, cwstang from Sioux Falls, SD wrote: I purchased 2 Night Jasmines from a grower in LA. They arrived in great shape. Several weeks later, I looked closely and noted a small web. Looking closer, there were VERY small dots on the leaves. Then I noticed they moved. Assuming SUPER small spider mites, I went to a local plant store and purchased a product specific for killing spider mites. After spraying the plants, I'm not sure how well it worked. Is there a good test besides a magifying glass? I've read on the internet they're hard to get rid of. Do you recommend repeated applications of the spray and if so, how often? |
Positive | On Mar 28, 2010, stevesivek from Seabrook, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: The perfume industry selected the scent of Night Blooming Jasmine as the most sensuous fragrance in the world. Standing near the blooming plant can be quite a heady experience. The best place to plant is the furthest location upwind from where you will spend most of your time outdoors. Like one poster mentioned, on a warm summer night I can smell mine 4 houses away. The 1000's of tiny tubular flowers will bloom all at once blooming 5 to 6 times during the summer. By its scent it attracts numerous Sphinx moths. Looks like nocturnal hummingbirds going for the blooms. During winter the plant dies back to the ground in SE Texas but readily returns with the first warm weather. |
Positive | On Oct 31, 2009, AuraRatihWidya from Bogor, Halo, it's Very glad to be a part of here, I'm a woman, love an art, love anythings, love cute animals or others, painting, ceramic maker, landscaper, gardener and farmer too, who planted this Jasmine Blooming Night, all over again...I loved the smell very well, I really really love it...I always waiting when my lovely plant become having full flower... I have 4 big three, and many little others....It's proudly if I having friends or new guest like usually come to my garden house than asking what perfumed that I used ??...from the car park until the bath room smell lovely......but remember, I always Thank to God who created this lovely plant for our lovely memories....and thank you for 'Dave' gardens...you are lovely too.... |
Positive | On Jun 13, 2009, MTVineman from Glenwood, MN (Zone 5a) wrote: I grow this lovely plant here in Montana as a houseplant but I put it outside in the spring/summer/fall then bring it in before the cold weather hits. This plant just goes nuts either inside and especially when it gets to go outside for the summer. It blooms for me prolifically a few times every year. The fragrance is heavenly and my neighbors here in Montana keep asking me what that smell is coming from my yard. It can actually be smelled from a block away when in full bloom. People here just don't know what this plant is. Once I tell them though, they want one. I bought mine from Worldplants.com and it arrived as a huge rootbound plant in about a 4" pot. Those guys really send great stock, have to say. Everything I have ever ordered from them is huge and in perfect shape when it arrives... read more |
Positive | On Jun 8, 2009, sotxmariachi from San Antonio, TX wrote: Just love this plant, the fragrance is beyond heavenly. I bought mine 3 years ago at a local nursery and every year it seems to bloom more and more. It blooms 3 to 4 times during the year. I have noticed it does love lots of water, and our hot Texas summer doesn't seem to bother it as long as it watered daily. I have mine in a 14 inch plastic pot. Also it has survived so far our San Antonio winters, it does lose it leaves but has always bounces back quite well once it starts to warm up, which around here is March. |
Positive | On May 3, 2009, nalin1 from New Delhi, July 2010 Update-- wmalik reported that his plant was not flowering this year, and also had an aphid infestation. Placing my reply here as it might be of help to others: |
Neutral | On Apr 20, 2009, MacFL from Longboat Key, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: First off, I LOVE the scent of Night Blooming Jasmine. I have ever since I lived in southern CA, where there were very popular. |
Positive | On Mar 19, 2009, mscotch from madison, wi, We've had this potted plant for 4 years and it does well inside in the winter here in WI. In the summer, I leave it out on our deck. It loves wet feet and whenever it looks a little droopy it's because of lack of water. My wife and I travel some, so have to remember to flood it when we leave. |
Positive | On Dec 17, 2008, leeflea51 from Golden, MS (Zone 7a) wrote: I have planted C. nocturnum for 6 consecutive years now. They are planted in a 24x24" container and I place it on the deck with a NE exposure. I feed it once every 2 week with bloom boosting plant food. If chlorosis occurs, I add an iron supplement. Of course, in my zone (7a) it is not root hardy so I must order each spring. I cut it back after each flowering cycle and can get 3 flushes of blooms before frost. |
Positive | On Nov 1, 2008, kathy65468 from Eunice, MO (Zone 5b) wrote: I have not trusted mine to our winters out doors. I cut it back and bring it inside. I threaten to only bring in cuttings but I hate to just leave the "mother" outside to die. I have found many folks who cannot smell the fragrance, myself included, and others who love the fragrance. My grandchildren say it smells like candy and are unhappy that they cannot eat it like other plants. It may be coincidence but all of the people who say they cannot smell it are smokers. |
Positive | On Oct 2, 2008, robcorreia from San Diego, CA (Zone 10b) wrote: I absolutely love this plant. It's a must for any moon garden, and the fragrance wafts in the air at night. |
Positive | On Aug 19, 2008, bdevill from Baton Rouge, LA wrote: This plant is a prolific bloomer in the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny sections of New Orleans. Humorous tidbit: In the "old days" this plant was grown to mask the scent of the out-houses. In modern days it combines a traditional jessamine fragrance with a luscious citrus scent and a hint of patchouli. It's scent is intoxicating and alluring after an August rain shower has cooled off and ushered in a relaxed late-summer evening. |
Neutral | On Aug 5, 2008, dootgrrl from Crockett, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: As opposed to popular belief, this plant is NOT deer resistant. I know a deer will eat anything if it's hungry enough. But they still chose to strip my 3 NBJ's down to the main stem instead of other plants in the yard that were supposedly "deer candy." They were 3' tall...not exactly young twigs. |
Positive | On Aug 3, 2008, lavender4ever from (Louise) Palm Bay, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: Purchased this plant as a four inch cutting in March and it is now three feet tall and wide and forming flowers. Cannot wait to smell the fragrance. Cuttings from shaping, root easily. |
Positive | On Jul 18, 2008, xaia from Kitchener, I purchased 2 small plugs of Night Blooming Jessamine in March of this year. After 5 months (2 of which were spent indoors) it is over a foot tall and growing like crazy! The main stem is getting 'woodier' and it's starting to send out many side shoots from the bottom! It hasn't even bloomed yet and I'm absolutely enthralled by it! I'll post pictures!! |
Negative | On Apr 28, 2008, tiftqt77 from Whitefish, MT wrote: I HATE this plant---my mother loved it and planted it outside our windows in Fort Myers and it just nauseated me---it's fragrance is way too strong for me. It grew like a weed in my yard. YUK |
Neutral | On Apr 28, 2008, ejanelli from San Francisco, CA wrote: I'm sorry to be a pedant in this regard, but I've been a gardener for over 60 years, and it's only recently that I have ever heard this plant referred to as night-blooming JASMINE. In the past it was always JESSAMINE, which may, in itself be a corruption of the word jasmine. The reason this troubles me is that the more we simplify and use the same word for more and more plants, the less information we convey. For example, there are four totally different plants, different genera in fact, that are referred to as "flowering orange" in my area ( S.F. Bay). What confusion! |
Negative | On Apr 28, 2008, pbyrley from Wake Forest, NC (Zone 7b) wrote: It was about 1955 in Ft. Lauderdale. We had no A/C and my bedroom windows were open. The night blooming jasmine my mother had planted near my window was in full bloom. I finally got up about 1:00AM, put on my clothes, got a shovel and dug the blasted sweet smelling thing up and threw it across the back fence. It was an awful sickening sweet odor. Here it is 2008 and I still remember it well! |
Positive | On Feb 29, 2008, GAtwood from Katy, TX wrote: I don't have one of these now (want one!), but there was one in the backyard at my former residence. One night I was walking and as I turned on my block this wonderful fragrance just hit me. |
Positive | On Feb 29, 2008, serenesower from Garland, TX wrote: My dad gave me a stick of NBJ in a yogurt cup filled with dirt from his back yard. I put it in a pot while renting and it grew to over 5 feet. I had it for over a year in the pot, it lost leaves, was neglected, not watered regularly and never bloomed. THEN we bought our first home and the first thing I did was plant that sucker on the south side of our lattice enclosed patio. That was april. By the summer we had several successions of blooms. The smell would just waft accross the patio like a purfumed spector. LOVE THIS PLANT. Grew to spreadabout four feet wide by 6-7 feet tall. I did use some yarn to keep it upright and more wall-like. Collected lots and lots of seeds. It looks dead right now, but I hope to see new growth soon (fingers crossed). Anyone want seeds? |
Positive | On Jan 26, 2008, Spectra from Chico, CA wrote: If heaven has a scent, it has to be night blooming jasmine! |
Positive | On Oct 3, 2007, hoytski_wva wrote: we have enjoyed night-bloooming jasmine since our trip to Jamaica, West Indies. they have a restaurant called the "Callabash" in Montego Bay. the jasmine grow in the front as you enter the door. it just about knocks you down as you first approach it but sitting outside overlooking the bay the light breeze carries the sweet scented fragrance all over the place. nothing like enjoying your favorite seafood dish, good drinks, and good friends with such a romantic setting and fragrance in the air. |
Positive | On Sep 24, 2007, vossner from East Texas, I love the strong frag of this plant but I can see where overexposure to this scent might give some a headache. Easy to root. Mine are thirsty plants, if you ignore they get yellow and limp quickly. best to plant near water source or in moist area of garden |
Neutral | On Sep 24, 2007, arlee from near Victoria BC, I love this plant but it is highly toxic, not only if ingested, but by odour as well. I had it in full bloom in my studio where it was slowly poisoning me with its scent. The blooms may be closed during the day, and not as evident with fragrance, but after i suffered bouts of dizziness, nausea and mental confusion, working in there 8 hours at a time, i moved it to the greenhouse! |
Neutral | On Aug 26, 2007, tarantella from Durham, NC (Zone 7b) wrote: I purchased two of these plants this past spring from a nursery in Lafayette, LA. They are planted in containers on my deck following the suggested size pots. They have reached about three feet and shown no blooms. I was so looking forward to having this plant and am puzzled by the lack of bloom. The enclosed directions said to let them dry out before watering which I have done. They look healthy enough, just no blooms. It is a puzzle, would appreciate any suggestions. |
Neutral | On Aug 8, 2007, bordersandjacks from Seabrook, SC (Zone 8b) wrote: I bought this as a little one gallon plant a couple months ago and now it's the same height as I am (6') and covered in blooms. The blooms are pretty as are the leaves. The fragrance is overwhelming- it could just be that it's so hot and humid here at the moment and I have it right by the back door. It's not your typical jasmine scent- it smells to me like "super elastic bubble plastic" from my childhood. I'm going to move it away from the door... and if that doesn't work, maybe it will become a gift. |
Positive | On Jul 21, 2007, gregrice from Altamonte Springs, FL wrote: I have had night blooming jasmines for years. I live in Central FLorida and have had no problem growing the NBJ. My only problem is finding a place big enough for the plant. The one I currently have is about 12' X 12'. I used to have it in my courtyard, but it outgrew that area. So I moved it to the backyard. I didn't like being transplanted and didn't put out many blooms that summer, but the next year, it was growing like a weed. |
Positive | On Jun 12, 2007, carmelye from League City, TX wrote: My mother in-law cut one of her Night Blooming Jasmines in half with a shovel, stuck it in a pot and gave it to me a couple of winters ago. I took it home and put it on the patio - all the leaves fell off and I had a pot of what looked like dead sticks! I went ahead and planted it that Spring and by the end of the Summer it had bloomed twice and was up to the roof of the house! The fragrance is wonderful and you can smell it for 100 yards away! Now it blooms five or six times a year. Mine also gets the white looking fruit on it after it blooms but I'm not sure what that is. We cut it down to about a foot from the ground each year and it comes right back. |
Positive | On May 7, 2007, zville123 from Zanesville, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: This is my first year trying this plant (as a potted plant, of course). Since I love fragrant plants, I'm looking forward to experiencing the aroma of this plant this summer. I have limited space to over-winter plants...with limited sun light. |
Positive | On Apr 6, 2007, LeDeana from Abilene, TX wrote: Epsom salts in the soil or mixed in the watering can will kill most spider mites and sucking pests. The salts act as a natural systemic. Usually a tablespoon to a 2 gallon can works fine. |
Neutral | On Mar 29, 2007, amichael from Cortlandt Manor, NY wrote: I heard jasmine -- queen of night -- are known to attract snakes. I was wondering is someone else has heard this as well? |
Negative | On Jan 23, 2007, lsglass from San Diego, CA wrote: I'm in San Diego, a couple miles from the ocean. I'm not much of gardener. |
Negative | On Jan 3, 2007, jonathanm from Los Angeles, CA wrote: I am confused as to when I can expect to see flowers on our Star Jasmines. |
Positive | On Nov 6, 2006, pattipl from Glendora, CA wrote: I have a night blooming jasmine outside my dining room window. Love the wonderful fragrance but now it has started to show a white, sticky kind of fungus and I don't know what it is our how to get rid of it. The dryer vent for my clothes dryer is located beside the plant but has not caused any problems in the 2 years we have had it. Can anyone help? |
Positive | On Oct 24, 2006, jasminetom from Ocala, FL wrote: I live in Ocala, Florida and I have had great luck with the night blooming jasmine. It is a year old. It bloomed five times from spring to end of October. I cut it back and it let loose with literally thousands of blossoms coating every stalk and making a fantastic scent in the whole neighborhood! The regenerated leaves bushed out fast and the whole thing has been a great joy! |
Positive | On Oct 8, 2006, beatfive from Fredericksburg, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: NBJ being a tropical does like watering every day in my area and really does love a weekly application of fish emulsion and seaweed. I put four plants in the ground about the middle of April this year and they are all about 8 to 9 feet tall now with heavy fragrance. I intend to bed them this winter with a good amount of heavy mulch. |
Positive | On Aug 29, 2006, glfields from Saint Paul, MN wrote: I have wintered over a one year plant indoors in St. Paul (Zone 4b) and planted cuttings (rooting compound was necessary) to get enough plants to really get the scent in my yard. Fragrant flowering did not occur until early August. The indoor plant flowered once in January for a fragrant (and maybe overwhelming) surprise. |
Negative | On Aug 29, 2005, lovemyflowers from Warrenton, MO wrote: I brought a Night Blooming Jasmine plant back with me while on vacation in southern California. I live in eastern Mo; Zone 5, and have it in a 12 inch pot on my patio. I have been afraid to plant it in the ground because our temps in winter can go down to 0 degrees, although the past few years have been relatively mild. I have had this plant since the middle of May and it has produced plenty of leaves, but no flowers!! I have decided to risk all and plant this near the house and hope it survives the winter. if anyone has a suggestion as to why this plant has not produced flowers, I would appreciate some input! Thanks and cross your fingers! Jackie B |
Positive | On Aug 14, 2005, grikdog from St. Paul, MN (Zone 4a) wrote: I can only grow this as a house plant but it grows well indoors. After a couple of years you have a house shrub. The flowers are unbelievably fragrant at night. In the morning it isn't as pleasant - I think I read somewhere that in Somalia it is called Lady of the Night because as much as you enjoy the fragrance in the evening it is too much to face in the morning. Afterwards the plant has small attractive white berries. |
Positive | On May 30, 2005, cheryldawn from Lakeland, FL wrote: I love the smell but as we have three large shrubs and my daughter has allergies to perfumes, she isn't crazy about it. |
Positive | On Jan 30, 2005, innyanga from Perth, We live in Perth, Western Australia (where it's now mid summer). We enjoy a Mediterranean climate. Our Night Blooming Jasmine is at least 10 years old. When we moved in 9 years ago we almost pulled it out, as we brushed past it on our way into the shed and hated the smell of the leaves! (Do others relate to this?) So glad we didn't. Now it is about 15 feet tall, and we look forward to the gorgeous fragrance each summer. The only problem is that it's now quite straggly. How severely can it be pruned? |
Positive | On Oct 3, 2004, aussiesky from Stuttgart, AR wrote: I smelled night blooming jasmine 26 years ago in St. Pete Fla. then 25 years ago i moved to Arkansas, I looked all over for this magnificent plant. In 2003 I found her in a plant outlet warehouse in Pine Bluff, Ar. The plants i got are doing great i do bring them in for the winter but they are blooming right now. I live in Stuttgart Ar. and night blooming jasmine is alive and well. 10/2/2004 |
Positive | On Sep 1, 2004, KDePetrillo from North Scituate, RI (Zone 6a) wrote: I grow this in a cool greenhouse in Zone 5/6 -- the scent is HEAVENLY!! Nothing like it! |
Positive | On Aug 27, 2004, Libbygarden from Mobile, AL wrote: I bought two 3 gallon containers of this plant last year at the end of summer. I planted them next to our pergola in afternoon sun. These plants went straight up and were blooming by mid September. They continued until our first hard feeze. I cut them back and forgot about them. By April they were coming back bigger than before. This year they are as tall as the 8 ft. pregola and do not seem to be stopping. I enjoyed reading on your site that these suckers can be cut back. I was afraid to do anything to them but they are taking over. My friends all want some of this thing and I am anxious to try rooting some. It is a most wonderful exotic fragrance and no one in Mobile seems to have this plant but me. We have no mosquitos out back this year so maybe it is this plant. I hope to have them up... read more |
Negative | On Jul 27, 2004, thebigsee from Canoga Park, CA wrote: In my humble opinion this is the worst plant I've ever put in my garden! I live in L.A. and planted it against an east-facing wall to hide the wall and provide its famous scent in the evening. The plants grew quickly and one even survived a messy transplant with little dieback. But despite the fact that they get good sun and nice shade in the afternoon, and despite following a garden expert's advice on feeding and watering, the plants are generally yellowy and weak-looking, not the lush shrub I was hoping for. Then, the famous scent came -- and did it ever! I love the scent of jasmine but this plant was far from the delicate feminine fragrance I've known from star jasmine and trachleospermum -- it was an in-your-face, overpowering, cheap body lotion sort of experience. Then, worst of... read more |
Positive | On Jun 30, 2004, dmhl921 from Morristown, IN (Zone 6b) wrote: I purchased two plants at a local farmer's market and planted them in zone 5 in a very large pot as I plan to winter them inside. It starts to bloom as the sun goes down and I have the pot near my bedroom french doors which is wonderful! A full (or waxing) moon seems to stimulate the release of the fragrance. |
Positive | On Jun 24, 2004, dacoolv from Vermillion, SD wrote: My night blooming jasmine is now 2 years old and is growing in southern-most South Dakota. I do overwinter it inside a sunny-south facing porch-enclosure during the coldest winter months. However, it is outside most of the year. Several times I have forgotten it outside and it has survived snow, ice, and other freezing weather. When it is growing inside, it can get spindly, however, if you pinch out the branches as soon as it turns nice out, it will come back in no time. It LOVES fish emulsion fertilizer which gives the leaves a dark-green color and silky sheen. People always stop and ask me what it is : ) If you keep them trimmed back, the frangrance isn't so overpowering--its a good way to control the smell at a level that you like. |
Positive | On May 27, 2004, smellsweet from Baton Rouge, LA wrote: I've had the Night Blooming Jasmine for a couple of years now. The first time I experienced the scent was in the Bahamas. It was planted at the entrance to the house where I was staying and I didn't know @ the time what it was. Sometime later, when I smelled it at a nursery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I realized it was what I experienced in the Bahamas! Such a wonderful scent which I absolutely love! One problem, the first two I had became infested with mealy bugs. I sprayed and pruned, but lost the plant. This year, I rinsed them off with tap water from the hose, but may try spraying with Safer Soap. I would love to try bringing a clump of the flowers inside to see how the scent fills the room! I haven't tried that yet. It's the most wonderful smell. It's on my patio by the bac... read more |
Positive | On May 12, 2004, Habakkuk from Orlando, FL wrote: I started my plant from a clipping rooted in a cup of water. It barely developed root buds in the water, but as soon as I stuck it in potting soil it took off. |
Positive | On May 2, 2004, nancyanne from Lafayette, LA (Zone 9a) wrote: An herbaceous perennial here in zone 9a. Comes back dependably even from our occasional hard freeze. |
Neutral | On May 1, 2004, MotherRose wrote: I loved this plant because of what i have hared about it so far. i planted 4 of them each in a different location. Complete shade, partial shade and full sun light just to get, at least one, to bloom. i appreciate any info on how to make this plant a success. i am getting a fifth plant to grow in house. i have great success with Jasmine but not with the night queen so far. i live in Saudi Arabia where temp. can go up to 50 C in the summer days (July - Aug) and drops to 40 C at night with humidity approaching 90-100% sometimes. it cools down to 10 C during winter time. Any help tips appreciated (watering frequency, location, fertilizer etc.) thanx :). i have posted a picture with one in full sun light. |
Positive | On Apr 11, 2004, denhart wrote: A WONDERFUL PLANT WITH A MAGICAL SCENT |
Positive | On Mar 14, 2004, syerunkar wrote: This is my most favourite flower, one of the things I miss most since I have left India. The fragrance is unbelievably addictive, mystic and unforgettable. |
Positive | On Nov 27, 2003, hawkarica from Odessa, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: Growing in the Tampa Bay area, the plant does exceptionally well, even on the north side of the house where it has reached the roof to find the sun. In the evening, we can open the doors and windows and the house is filled with the wonderful fragrance. It takes pruning well but needs frequent spraying to protect it from both chewing and piercing/sucking insects. |
Positive | On Nov 10, 2003, samkar from Lake Lure, NC wrote: I have grown it outside and in pots here in the mountains of North Carolina (U.S.) |
Negative | On Nov 9, 2003, catladytoo wrote: We have had our night blooming jasmine (2 plants) in our yard for over a year. They flower and produce berries. However they have not produced any fragrance. |
Positive | On Sep 25, 2003, willem wrote: The Queen of the Night is also known in the Sub-Continent as RAAT KI RANI. A pride to have in the garden in India and Pakistan. People dress themselves with these deep intoxicating flowers. |
Positive | On Sep 19, 2003, MotherNatureCA from Van Nuys, CA wrote: I live in Southern California and think the birds planted this in my garden. I thought it was a lemon tree seedling coming up the first year and cut it back to the ground. Now it is a small tree. The smell is fabulous, and flowers about every 6 weeks. I realized what it was after I bought two more plants, and then compared the leaves and flowers. Today I thank the birds since the one they planted is doing much better than the two I bought! |
Positive | On Sep 14, 2003, colson40 from Labelle, FL wrote: So far it's been no-care plant for me. |
Positive | On Aug 17, 2003, enigmas wrote: Living near New Orleans, Louisiana (U.S.), Night-Blooming Jasmines do well in our wonderfully rich soil. My mother lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is envious because hers grow in a sandy soil or in pots. The one she gave me a few years ago traditionally reaches over 8 feet tall (after having to be cut back because of freezes.) My daughter says spring, summer and fall smell so good (the plant is right outside the front door, so anyone coming in or out have the wonderful experience of the scent). This year, it had pups and I wanted info about transplanting them, which I found in the Plants Database. Thank you!! |
Positive | On Jul 9, 2003, diprato from Morrisville, PA wrote: 2003- I grew my Night Jasmine from a seed. It is now 2 1/2 years old and the roots have outgrown its fourth container. I don't think I can get a much bigger container inside for the winter (I'm on the edge of zone 6/7 in southeastern Pennsylvania (U.S.) I sure wish I could plant it outside (and protect it somehow) so it can really thrive (and hopefully bloom more), but I am afraid to lose it to the winter. |
Positive | On Jun 25, 2003, enochj from (Zone 7b) wrote: I love this plant! However, once, when I was over-wintering it in the house, it bloomed before I realized it. Outside it produces a fabulous fragrance, inside it is overwhelming. |
Neutral | On May 31, 2003, Chrysalid wrote: This plant is used in Spain to deter mosquitoes at nighttime, as well as other flying insects like flies. |
Positive | On May 27, 2003, SFbay wrote: I live in Oakland California (U.S.) on a hot southwest facing slope. My Night-Blooming Jasmine was planted in front of a hot wall in a raised bed and with considerable smog from a busy street only a few feet away. It survived several years with no water before I moved in. I think it is much tougher than it is given credit for. We don't get hard freezes though. It has even reacted negatively to regular water, but it is established. This is one of my new favorites! |
Neutral | On Apr 21, 2003, judycei wrote: I have enjoyed this plant since buying my first home, where there are two of the night blooming jasmines, one each on the front and rear of my home. |
Positive | On Apr 6, 2003, kathi817 wrote: I planted one near a busy highway in central Florida (U.S.) It is surrounded by hot concrete and car exhausts, gets very little shade, watering, pruning or care of any kind. Four years later, it stands 8 feet tall, five feet across and blooms all summer and fall. Frosts and drought do not seem to affect it. |
Positive | On Mar 7, 2003, jacaranda wrote: In Puerto Rico, to my surprise, this tree is not very common. It is incredible how the seeds and flowers atract all kind of birds and insects. Hummingbirds, bees, butterflyes come frequently to eat the seeds or suck the nectar. It is hard to believe, unless one has the chance to see it. |
Positive | On Dec 22, 2002, drjay wrote: I greatly enjoyed my two large jasmines while they were in bloom- the fragrance is wonderful. However, I learned one thing the hard way. This plant is EXTREMELY susceptible to mealy bugs. None of my many other plants had the bugs, so these two clearly had them when I took them home from the nursery. Always check them very carefully before buying. |
Positive | On Dec 21, 2002, CaliK8 from van nuys, CA wrote: To me, the scent is to die for! It brings strong memories of summer childhood. |
Positive | On Nov 12, 2002, caraboof from Spring, TX (Zone 9b) wrote: I have had night blooming jasmines for 16 years. I am a fragrance person and LOVE the fragrance, but as another poster noted, it is a powerful fragrance and if you have an allergy, you would have a big one. |
Negative | On Oct 21, 2002, ejrobinson wrote: While night blooming jasmine is a gorgeous plant with charming blooms, the scent also produces severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Please be aware of this, especially when planting near a child's window or a neighbor's fence. Nighttime allergy and asthma attacks can be very serious. Thank you! |
Neutral | On May 28, 2002, Moogie from Lewisville, TX wrote: An evergreen shrub to 12 ft tall with 4 to 8 inch leaves and clusters of creamy white flowers in the summer, setting white berries in the fall. |