Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is a fast-growing woody shrub. Part of the Solanaceae family, which also includes potatoes and tomatoes, the plant isnt a true jasmine. It gets its name from the tubular greenish-white or yellow flowers that emit a highly fragrant scent at night and are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The shrub has a long bloom period, repeatedly flowering through the summer.
The shrub has a sprawling habit and naturally grows readily from seed during the spring. Despite these aggressive invasive traits (some experts refer to it as a “garden thug”), its often grown in containers on patios or as a dense border hedge. It also does well as a houseplant or in greenhouses.
All parts of the night-blooming jasmine, but especially the berries, are toxic to people and animals.
Hey plant lovers! I’ve been getting tons of questions about night blooming jasmine lately and as someone who’s been growing these beauties for years, I thought I’d share everything you need to know about buying and caring for these amazing plants. Let’s dive right in!
What Makes Night Blooming Jasmine So Special?
Night blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is hands-down one of the most fragrant plants you’ll ever come across I’m not exaggerating when I say that a single plant can perfume your entire garden with its sweet, intoxicating scent! These plants are perfect for
- Creating magical evening gardens
- Adding fragrance to patios and outdoor spaces
- Growing in containers (both indoor and outdoor)
- Attracting pollinators like butterflies
- Making your garden deer-resistant
Where to Buy Night Blooming Jasmine Plants
Home Depot’s Amazing Deal
Right now, Home Depot’s got a sweet deal going – you can get 3 healthy plants in separate 4-inch pots for just $31.03 (that’s about $10.34 per plant). These plants come from Daylily Nursery, and from what I’ve seen, they’re pretty reliable. The best part? They offer:
- Free & easy returns within 90 days
- Quality packaging to protect plants during shipping
- Established plants ready for transplanting
Growing Requirements
Here’s what your night blooming jasmine needs to thrive:
Light & Temperature
- Sun tolerance: Both sun and shade (needs 4-6 hours of full sun daily)
- Hardiness zones: 9-11 (can handle temps from 20°F to 50°F)
- Best growing conditions: 30°F to 40°F minimum temps
Size & Space
- Mature height: 60 inches
- Mature width: 24 inches
- Recommended spacing: 36 inches between plants
Water & Care
- Water requirements: Once a week
- Growth habit: Branching
- Bloom season: Spring and Summer
- Flower color: White
Pro Tips for Success
After growing these beauties for years here are some tips I’ve learned
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Indoor Growing: While possible, I wouldn’t really recommend it. The fragrance can be overwhelming indoors, and these plants need lots of light.
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Hot Weather Performance: If you’re in a hot area like Bakersfield (where temps hit 100°F+), don’t worry! These plants can handle the heat with proper watering.
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Pet Safety Warning: ⚠️ Keep these away from your furry friends! The plant is toxic to cats and dogs, especially the berries and sap.
The Real Talk: Pros and Cons
What’s Great
- Incredibly fragrant flowers
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
- Deer resistant
- Disease resistant
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
- Long blooming season
What’s Not So Great
- Toxic to pets
- Can be overwhelming indoors
- Needs specific temperature range
- Takes up space (gets pretty big!)
Customer Experiences
From what I’ve seen in recent reviews (2024-2025), most folks are super happy with their purchases. Here’s what real customers are saying:
“Kudos to Daylily Nursery for partnering with Home Depot to get these out fast! Looking forward to the summer!” – Freddy, April 2024
“Perfectly packaged, beautiful green leaves, very surprised would definitely recommend” – RKELLY, April 2024
Care Calendar
Here’s my simple month-by-month guide:
| Season | Care Tips |
|---|---|
| Spring | Best time to plant, start fertilizing |
| Summer | Regular watering, watch for heat stress |
| Fall | Reduce watering, prepare for winter |
| Winter | Protect from frost if temps drop below 20°F |
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Will it survive hot summers?
A: Yep! Just keep it well-watered and it’ll handle the heat like a champ.
Q: Can I grow it indoors?
A: You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it – the scent is super strong and it needs lots of sun.
Q: How fast does it grow?
A: These plants are moderate growers, reaching full size in about 2-3 growing seasons.
My Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add some evening magic to your garden, night blooming jasmine is totally worth it. The current price point of around $31 for three plants is pretty reasonable, especially considering how big and beautiful these plants can get.
Just remember – give ’em enough sun, keep ’em watered, and watch out for those cold snaps if you’re in a borderline zone. And maybe keep your pets away from them (just to be safe!).
Happy planting, y’all! Drop me a comment if you’ve got any questions about growing these fragrant beauties!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out current deals and availability at your local garden centers or Home Depot – prices and availability might vary depending on your location and the season!
Fertilizer
These plants do best in fertile soil and will appreciate a monthly application of fertilizer while establishing. An annual early spring feeding for mature plants can help produce healthy blooms.
Water
These plants are moisture lovers. They need frequent watering to produce healthy, fragrant blooms. While establishing, they might need saturating several times a week and then at least weekly once they have taken root during the growing season. During the dormant winter season, established plants will require minimal watering.