Cestrum

Solanaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Decorative fruit or berries

All native to the American tropics. Those in cultivation have showy clusters of tubular flowers attractive to hummingbirds. Showy fruit that follows can also attract birds. Fast growing with an arching, lax habit that benefits from consistent pruning and pinching back. Best in warm, sheltered spots. May be cut back severely after flowering or fruiting. Responds well to feeding and organic soil amendments. Frost damage with quick recovery possible in climates specified for each species.

Cestrum elegans

Vining shrub from Mexico. To 10 ft. or greater in both height and width, with deep green, 4-in. leaves. Masses of purplish red blossoms in spring and summer are followed by red berries. Hummingbirds love the nectar, and birds love the fruit.

Cestrum fasciculatum

Mexican native grows about 10 ft. tall and wide. Vining, with deep green, 5-in. leaves. Masses of purplish-red blooms appear in spring and summer, are followed by red berries. Hummingbirds love the nectar, and birds love the fruit.

Cestrum nocturnum

Native to West Indies. To 12 ft. tall and wide, with 4- to 8-in.-long leaves and creamy white summer blossoms. White berries. Powerfully fragrant at night—too much so for some people. Give full sun for best bloom.

‘Newellii’

Grows 8 to 10 ft. tall and wide. Vining, with deep green, 5-in. leaves. Masses of bright crimson blooms appear in spring and summer, are followed by red berries. Hummingbirds love the nectar, and birds love the fruit.

Some plants listed as Cestrum ‘Newellii’ may in fact be C. fasciculatum.