Overview
Cestrum auriculatum is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Cestrum, part of the Solanaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cestrum auriculatum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include conservatory and greenhouse, patio and container plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Cestrum auriculatum is an evergreen member of the Solanaceae that flowers from July to October. It forms a well-branched shrub suited to containers, conservatories and sheltered borders. Plant in full sun to partial shade on well-drained loam, sand or chalk soils across a range of pH. As an H3-rated plant, it performs best in a sheltered, south- or west-facing position in the UK.
About the genus
Cestrum is a genus of — depending on authority — 150-250 species of flowering plants in the family Solanaceae. They are native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the Americas, from the southernmost United States south to the Bío-Bío Region in central Chile. They are colloquially known as cestrums or jessamines.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cestrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cestrum
In the garden
Cestrum auriculatum sits in the genus Cestrum within the nightshade family Solanaceae and carries evergreen foliage with a compact, well-branched habit. Its principal bloom period runs July to October, offering an extended summer display that favours warm, protected positions. Provide full sun to partial shade and a free-draining medium: loam, sand or chalk are all suitable and it tolerates acid through to alkaline soils provided they are not waterlogged. Place plants in a sheltered, south- or west-facing aspect to reduce exposure to cold winds; the H3 hardiness rating means it is borderline in the UK, so give extra protection in colder districts or keep plants under glass through winter. Cestrum auriculatum works well in conservatories and greenhouses, on patios in containers, and as a feature in flower borders and beds where frost risk is limited. In containers it can be shifted to a frost-free spot when severe weather is forecast, while planted specimens will show their summer flowers best from a sheltered west- or south-facing terrace or bed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cestrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Cestrum auriculatum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Conservatory and greenhouse, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cestrum auriculatum
- Propagation
- Seed in spring at 13-18°C, Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cestrum auriculatum?
Cestrum auriculatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cestrum auriculatum need?
Cestrum auriculatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cestrum auriculatum hardy in the UK?
Cestrum auriculatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Cestrum auriculatum?
Seed in spring at 13-18°C, Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.