About

Cestrum x cultum 'Cretan Purple' is a tender evergreen shrub that can reach heights of approximately 150 cm. It features oval, green leaves and produces small trumpet-shaped flowers in a purple-blue hue that emit a pleasant fragrance in the evening during summer. While this plant thrives in a greenhouse or conservatory setting, it can potentially endure outdoor conditions if planted in a mild, protected area of the garden.

About the genus

Cestrum consists of shrubs or climbing plants that can scramble as they grow. The leaves are simple and remain green year-round. Flowers, which are either tubular or shaped like salvers, appear in clusters at the ends of branches and in the leaf axils, eventually giving way to red or black berries.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Fragrance

Flower

Toxicity

Harmful of eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation

Under glass grow in containers using peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with good ventilation and shade from hot sun. Water freely in summer and keep just moist in winter. Can be grown outdoors in a sheltered sunny site and well-drained soil

Pruning

Pruning group 9

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring at 13-18°C, or propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free