CESTRUM. Central and South America. A group of lush, though often somewhat rangy, shrubs of the potato family, with several attractive features. The leaves are usually large, pointed-oval in outline and velvety to glossy in surface. Clusters of tubular, often pendant blossoms grace the plants in late summer and fall, or in some cases, most of the year. All respond well to light or heavy pruning and even hedging. They thrive in most soils, though they look their best with ample water and fertilizer. Sun or part shade near the coast, part shade inland. Their hardiness varies considerably, though even the most tender will often resprout from the crown after apparently lethal freezes.
aurantiacum. One of the most tropical in appearance, growing 6-10’ tall and rather upright, with closely branched trunks. It has large shiny, bright green leaves. Massive clusters of bright orange flowers decorate the plant from spring to fall. These are followed by showy white berries. Hardy to around 25oF.
elegans. Red cestrum. An arching shrub, growing about 8-10' tall. The stems are lined with 3-4" dark green, velvety leaves. It has many clusters of 1" blossoms, borne at almost any time of the year, especially in the warmer months. The red berries which follow are almost equally ornamental. Current offerings include a profusely blooming unnamed clone with rose red blossoms, an orange-red flowered selection and ‘Smithii’, with pink flowers. Ultimately hardy to below 20oF.
newellii. This species is quite similar to C. elegans in general appearance. It is distinguished ornamentally by very dark, red tinged foliage, deep red flowers and showy purplish red berries. Hardy to around 20oF.
nocturnum. Night jessamine. A robust species, growing 10’ or more tall, though easily controlled by pruning. It has dark, shiny leaves up to 8” long and clusters of cream to greenish white blossoms, followed by white berries. The flowers fill the air with a heavy perfume at night. Hardy to 20-25oF.