Green Cestrum Cestrum parqui
ABOUT
The plant commonly referred to as "green cestrum" or "willow-leaved jessamine" has a bushy, sprawling habit with long, slender branches. Its foliage consists of lance-shaped leaves that are a deep green color, with a smooth texture and prominent veins. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and have a slightly glossy appearance. During the blooming period, green cestrum produces clusters of small tubular flowers, which are yellowish-green and have a strong, sweet scent, especially noticeable at night. The flowers are attractive to nocturnal pollinators. Following the flowering phase, the plant bears berries that start out green and mature into a black or dark purple color. These berries are appealing to bird species but are toxic to humans and other mammals. The overall impression of green cestrum is of a lush and leafy plant with delicate, fragrant flowers that add a touch of elegance to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Green Cestrum, Willow-leaved Jessamine, Hard Cestrum, Chilean Cestrum
Common names
Cestrum parqui, Cestrum aurantiacum, Cestrum elegans, Cestrum laevigatum, Cestrum lanceolatum, Cestrum luridum, Cestrum ovatum, Cestrum pallidum, Cestrum parqui var. latifolium, Cestrum parqui var. ovatum, Cestrum parqui var. parqui, Cestrum parqui var. typicum, Cestrum schlechtendalii, Cestrum sendtnerianum, Cestrum undulatum.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow-green
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Cestrum parqui, commonly known as green cestrum, is often used in gardens for its attractive foliage and yellow-green tubular flowers that bloom in the summer.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of the green cestrum can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
- Shade Provider: With its dense foliage, the green cestrum can offer shade in gardens, providing a cool area during hot weather.
- Scented Flowers: The flowers emit a strong fragrance, especially at night, which can add a pleasant scent to the garden environment.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Cestrum parqui has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
- Privacy Screen: Owing to its height and dense growth, it can be used to create a natural privacy screen in the garden.
- Windbreak: It can act as a windbreak when planted in rows, protecting smaller plants from strong winds.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Cestrum parqui has been used traditionally to alleviate pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may possess compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sedative: There are accounts of its use as a sedative to help with insomnia or anxiety.
- Antispasmodic: It could potentially relieve muscle spasms.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cestrum parqui, commonly known as green cestrum, can be planted as a living fence or hedge due to its fast-growing nature and dense foliage.
- The aromatic leaves of green cestrum are used in some cultures to make a natural insect repellent by crushing and applying the leaves to the skin or hanging them in bunches to deter insects.
- In some rural areas, branches of the green cestrum plant are sometimes used as a natural source of green dye for textiles.
- The wood of green cestrum is sometimes harvested and used for making small handcrafts and as firewood, benefiting from its quick regrowth.
- Due to its vigorous growth, the plant can be utilized for erosion control on steep slopes or riverbanks by stabilizing the soil with its root system.
- The flowers of green cestrum are sometimes used in decorative arrangements and for making natural fragrances due to their strong nighttime scent.
- In some regions, green cestrum is incorporated into permaculture gardens as a dynamic accumulator, drawing up nutrients from deep in the soil to the surface for other plants to access.
- Green cestrum plants can be intercropped in agricultural lands to provide shade for shade-loving crops or as a windbreak to protect more delicate plants.
- In some traditional ceremonies or cultural rituals, parts of the green cestrum plant may be used symbolically or as offerings.
- The dense thickets created by green cestrum growth can provide habitat for birds and small wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in garden spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Green Cestrum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Green Cestrum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Cestrum parqui, commonly known as Green Cestrum or Willow-leaved Jessamine, often symbolizes adaptability due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Warning: The plant, known to be toxic to livestock and humans, can represent a cautionary symbol, reminding us that not everything that is attractive is beneficial or safe.
- Resilience: Green Cestrum's robustness and resilience to pests and diseases make it symbolic of overcoming adversity and enduring difficult situations.
- Growth: As a fast-growing plant, it can also symbolize rapid growth and progress in one's endeavors.
- Night Presence: Given that its flowers are more fragrant at night, Willow-leaved Jessamine can symbolize the idea of presence or influence that is felt more strongly in certain circumstances or times.
WaterThe Green Cestrum should be watered deeply but infrequently, typically you should allow the soil to become dry to the touch before watering again. During the growing season in spring and summer, watering once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons should be sufficient, depending on soil type and climate. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot; well-drained soil is key to the health of a Green Cestrum.
LightGreen Cestrum thrives in full sun to partial shade, but for optimal growth and flowering, it prefers a location that receives several hours of direct sunlight daily. Ideally, place the Green Cestrum in a spot where it can get at least six to eight hours of sunlight. It can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade may reduce blooming and weaken the plant.
TemperatureGreen Cestrum prefers a moderate to warm climate and does best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimal frost but sustained temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit may damage or kill the plant. Ideally, keep the Green Cestrum in an area that maintains a temperature between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Green Cestrum is important to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and enhance flowering. It’s best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches, and trim back up to one-third of the previous year's growth to promote healthy, vigorous shoots. The plant responds well to pruning, so annual pruning is recommended for shaping and overall health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreen Cestrum thrives in well-drained, loamy to sandy soil with pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost is ideal for optimal growth.
RepottingGreen Cestrum should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, preferably in the springtime to allow for growth spurts.
Humidity & MistingGreen Cestrum prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 40-60%, which can be maintained with regular misting or a room humidifier.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Green Cestrum in bright, indirect light with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant Green Cestrum in partial sun to light shade areas.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleCestrum parqui, commonly known as Green Cestrum, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil, usually in spring or early summer. The seedling stage involves developing roots and a basic stem structure while the plant establishes itself. As it enters the vegetative stage, Green Cestrum rapidly grows leaves and stems, becoming a small shrub. Flowering occurs in the mature stage, typically in the warm months, where it produces fragrant, yellow-green flowers that are pollinated by insects and possibly by wind, leading to the production of berries. The berries then mature, containing seeds that are dispersed by animals who eat them, completing the reproductive cycle. Green Cestrum can live for several years, and it can also spread vegetatively through rooting of the stems if they come into contact with soil.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagating Cestrum parqui, commonly known as Green Cestrum or Willow-leaved Jessamine, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique typically involves taking cuttings from the plant during the summer months when the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. Cuttings should be approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) in length and include several leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the cutting may be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm environment with indirect sunlight. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
