Cestrum fasciculatum

Family: Solanaceae

Common Name(s): Early Jessamine, Red Cestrum

Native to: Mexico

Flowering: Spring-Autumn

Watering: Keep the soil moist during the growing season

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Subtropical, Grassland

Description

An interesting and tough evergreen shrub (although somewhat straggly) with simple and smooth edged leaves and clusters of crimson, unscented flowers through much of the year followed by matching berries. The flowers themselves are tubular or urn shaped and gathered in clusters at the branch tips. The plant grows from approximately 1.8 to 3 metres in height.

Cultivation

Easily grown in frost free climates in a sunny, moderately fertile and well draining soil. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Plants will respond well to regular applications of liquid fertiliser and watering throughout the growing season. Water in well at planting time and ensure that the soil is kept moist at all times thereafter. No particular pests or diseases. Prune back hard to shape by removing older stems each year after flowering.