Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) Cestrum nocturnum
Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) (Cestrum nocturnum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Solanaceae family, native to West Indies (Caribbean). It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 13–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | West Indies (Caribbean) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇪🇬 Egypt |
| Invasive in | Hawaii, Queensland, Pacific islands: check local rules before planting |
Is Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: berries, leaves, all parts
All parts, especially the berries, contain tropane-type and other alkaloids and are poisonous to people and pets; the heavy night scent bothers some people.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche)
- How far apart should I plant Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) flower?
- From about May for 13–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. All parts, especially the berries, contain tropane-type and other alkaloids and are poisonous to people and pets; the heavy night scent bothers some people.
- What grows well with Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Night-blooming jessamine (dama de noche). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Slender greenish-white tubes open after dusk and pour out a powerful sweet scent for moths; white berries are spread by birds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica