Purple cestrum (Cestrum elegans)

Purple cestrum

Features and Characteristics

Cestrum elegans, commonly called purple cestrum, is a climbing shrub-like perennial native to southern Mexico. Its arching stems are covered in fine, dense hairs, and can reach 6-10′ in height with an equal spread. Leaves are elliptic in shape, with a pointed end and fine hairs along the margins. The red to violet tubular flowers (5″ long) form in terminal clusters and are attractive to hummingbirds. Blooms are nearly continuous in warmer climates, though the peak is in spring and summer. The flowers are followed by red berries. This plant has been known to escape cultivation where hardy, and in some areas has become a pest species in forest margins and disturbed sites.

Genus name is from the Greek name for the plant.

The specific epithet elegans means elegant.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium to dry moisture, well-draining soils in full sun to part shade. Can tolerate occasional dry soil conditions. Add organic matter to loosen heavier soils. Fast growth rate. Best flowering with regular moisture during hot, dry weather and plenty of fertilizer during growing periods. Hardy from Zones 8-1 Depending on the climatic conditions, this plant can be grown as an evergreen shrub, deciduous shrub, a more tender, semi-woody perennial, or an annual.

Purple cestrum (Cestrum elegans) Requirements

Hardiness zone	8 - 11
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No major pest or disease problems reported.

Uses

This plant has a tendency to overtake a garden area if given good growing conditions and not properly managed. Can be trained to climb an arbor or trellis. Heavy pruning is recommended for smaller garden areas and more formal landscapes. Where not hardy, use as an annual in a bird garden or to add tropical interest to a mixed border.

Purple cestrum (Cestrum elegans) Details

Common name	Purple cestrum
Botanical name	Cestrum elegans
Plant type	Deciduous shrub
Family	Solanaceae
Hardiness zone	8 - 11
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Red to violet
Flowering period	May - September
Height	6 - 10 ft.
Width	6 - 10 ft.