Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Cestrum elegans or Red cestrum

The genus Cestrum, family Solanaceae, includes 170 species of shrubs native to tropical areas of America, especially Mexico. Some species are: Cestrum elegans, Cestrum parqui, Cestrum confertum, Cestrum nocturnum, Cestrum x cultum, Cestrum peruvianum.

Common names: Purple cestrum, Red cestrum, Bastard jasmine. This species is native to Mexico.

They are evergreen shrubs with hairy stems that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are alternately arranged and ovate-lanceolate. The showy tubular flowers appear in groups, are unscented and dark red. They bloom in winter, spring, and occasionally in other seasons. The fruits are red in color and the size of a pea.

These fast-growing plants are used to form bushy groups, for informal hedges, or as isolated specimens.

The Cestrum elegans prefers a semi-shaded exposure and protected from the cold; does not resist frost.

The soil must be loose, light, well drained and with abundant organic matter.

Water regularly in summer (2 times a week without flooding) so that the soil is always moist; reduce watering for the rest of the year, preventing the soil from drying out completely.

Fertilize in autumn with compost or manure and every 20 days with mineral fertilizer in spring and summer.

Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance.

They are sometimes attacked by insects.

They propagate by seeds sown a few days after their collection or by cuttings in spring or summer.

Images of the shrub Cestrum elegans or Red cestrum