The Cestrum nocturnum, commonly known as Night-Blooming Jasmine, is a tropical plant cherished for its intoxicating fragrance that fills summer nights with its scent. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, this species belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is a semi-evergreen shrub that can grow between 2 to 4 metres in height, with soft green oval leaves and long, flexible stems. Its flowering is a true sensory experience: as night falls, small tubular yellow-green flowers bloom, releasing a powerful aroma often likened to a blend of jasmine and vanilla.
Well adapted to warm climates, Cestrum nocturnum thrives effortlessly in tropical gardens, such as the Bois Vert botanical garden. It is particularly valued for its ability to enhance evening atmospheres with its distinctive fragrance. In Antananarivo or Ivato, where the climate is favourable, Night-Blooming Jasmine naturally finds its place in the gardens of lodges, as well as in the outdoor spaces of hotels and restaurants.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Night-Blooming Jasmine is also prized for its hardiness. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, though it prefers rich, well-drained soil. Under optimal conditions, it blooms all year round, with peaks during the summer months. Finally, its photoperiodic nature makes it unique: its flowers open at night and close at dawn.
Plant use
Cestrum nocturnum is highly valued for its intense fragrance and decorative appeal. In botanical or tropical gardens, it is often planted in hedges or flower beds to create a fragrant nighttime atmosphere. It also thrives in pots, making it a perfect addition to terraces or patios in hotels and lodges, such as those at Au Bois Vert in Ivato. In landscape design, the Night-Blooming Jessamine is particularly effective in attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats. Its strong scent also makes it a popular choice for spaces that welcome evening visitors, such as restaurant terraces or illuminated pathways. In traditional medicine, certain parts of the plant are used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, though their consumption must be carefully controlled, as the plant contains toxic alkaloids. Indoors, this fragrant plant is often used to purify the air and create a calming atmosphere, making it a valuable addition to spaces such as lodges in Antananarivo. However, it requires good lighting and regular pruning to prevent excessive growth.
Key information
| Common name | Night-Blooming Jasmine |
| Scientific name | Cestrum nocturnum |
| Origin | Tropical Americas |
| Natural habitat | Tropical and subtropical regions, hedges and undergrowth |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | Régions tropicales et subtropicales, haies et sous-boisToute l'année (pic en été) |
