Overview
Cestrum elegans var. smithii is a pendulous weeping, bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Cestrum, part of the Solanaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cestrum elegans var. smithii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, coastal, sub-tropical, patio and container plants, flower borders and beds, conservatory and greenhouse and climber and wall shrubs.
About
Cestrum elegans var. smithii is a cultivar of the Cestrum genus, which comprises evergreen shrubs or climbing plants with simple leaves that remain green year-round. This particular variety has a pendulous, weeping habit and is suited to conservatories or greenhouses. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil, including loam or sand, with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is best grown in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects and can be used in city gardens, patios, or conservatories. It flowers in winter, adding seasonal interest.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cestrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Cestrum elegans var. smithii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
- Habit
- Pendulous weeping, Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds, Conservatory and greenhouse, Climber and wall shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cestrum elegans var. smithii
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cestrum elegans var. smithii?
Cestrum elegans var. smithii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cestrum elegans var. smithii need?
Cestrum elegans var. smithii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Cestrum elegans var. smithii hardy in the UK?
Cestrum elegans var. smithii 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 elegans var. smithii?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Cestrum genus
- Cestrumbastard jasmine
- Cestrum fasciculatum
- Cestrum parquiwillow-leaved jessamine
- Cestrum x cultum 'Cretan Pink'
