How to Grow Cestrum

Cestrum can be shrubs or climbers with thick dark green foliage and ornate clusters of tubular flowers that thrive during summer and autumn. Dark red or black berries follow during the winter. Cestrum are best suited as patio plants within pots and containers. As they are so often half hardy, this allows them to be easily transported during colder spells. You should expect to see Cestrum grow to an approximate height of 2.5-4m (8-13’) and a spread of 1.5-2.5m (5-8’).

Cestrum are best planted in well-drained soil of loam or sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. It thrives in full or part sun but is sensitive to extreme temperatures, so please ensure adequate care is taken in periods or drought or cold. Plant in a large enough container to hold its mature height and spread or use as a screening along a trellis.

Once established, Cestrum are easy to care for. Water accordingly during periods of dry spells. Provide an annual prune to maintain shape and tidiness. Those that are grown in a pot will need to be re-potted every 2 to 3 years so that it does not become root bound.

It is possible to propagate Cestrum by seed sown in containers or by softwood cuttings in the summer.