Purple Jasmine: Cestrum Elegans Characteristics and Guide
Purple jasmine (Cestrum Elegans) commonly known as Bastard Jasmine is evergreen flowering plant of warm temperate to tropical regions. It belongs to the family Solanaceae and Genus Cestrum. It has a bushy growth habit with arching branches. The leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and arranged alternately along the stems. The flowers are 2 cm long with a sweet fragrance and attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. The popular growing regions are Florida, California, Central Chile, North Texas and some areas of Britain. The plant is usually 7-8 feet tall and the Flowers are bright purplish-red. In this post, I will share purple jasmine characteristics, Sunlight, Soil and water requirements, propagation and uses.
Purple Jasmine Characteristics
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Name | Cestrum Elegans |
Family | Solanaceae |
Genus | Cestrum |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Height | Can be 2-3 meters (6.5-10 feet) tall |
Flowers | Tubular, reddish-pink to purple in color, fragrant |
Blooming season | Spring to fall |
Pruning season | Best done after flowering |
Growth habit | Evergreen shrub with bushy, arching branches |
Leaves | Dark green, arranged alternately |
Fruit | All parts are toxic if ingested |
Toxicity | Ornamental plant attracts pollinators |
Uses | Ornamental plant, attracts pollinators |
Propagation | Seeds, stem cuttings |
Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-drained soil |
Cestrum Elegans was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant in the year 1840.
Identification and Pictures
Cestrum Elegans
Basic Requirements
Planting house or ornamental plants can be a rewarding endeavor. However, ensuring their successful growth requires more than just placing them in the ground.
Knowledge of plant’s requirements allows for the right selection, better planning and placement.
Understanding the basic requirements of plants before planting them is crucial for several reasons. It ensures that the plants receive the necessary resources for their growth, such as sunlight, water, nutrients, and suitable soil conditions. Meeting these requirements lead to lush foliage, vibrant blooms, aesthetic appeal and prevent the dying of plants.
Soil
Soil quality greatly impacts plant growth. Consider factors like soil type (sandy, loamy, clay), pH level, and drainage. Purple Jasmine prefers well drained soil-sandy loam. Avoid heavy clay and soggy soil to prevent the root rot.
Read: Heavy Clay Soil Formation Reasons and How to Amend
pH: 6.0 to 7.0
What to do if you have heavy clay soil?
Organic matter is the best thing to amend the heavy clay soils. It decreases the soil compaction and improves the texture and aeration.
Sunlight
Bastard jasmine requires full sun to partial shade. Ensure the plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering.
Watering
The good thing about the Cestru Elegans is that it can bear drought periods. Keep watering regularly and in hot and dry phases, water deeply.
Nutrients
Purple Jasmine requires both primary macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum.
Learn about: Nutrients and Nutrients Deficiency
How To Propagate Cestrum Elegans
Cestrum elegans can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and layering. Here’s how to propagate Cestrum elegans using each method:
Propagation Through Seeds
Propagation through seeds requires more effort and patience. The method is easy. Here are the steps:
- Collect ripe berries from a mature Cestrum elegans plant. Extract the seeds from the berries.
- Clean the seeds by rinsing them in water.
- Fill small pots or seed trays with a well-draining potting mix.
- Sow the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them into the soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Place the pots or trays in a warm and bright location.
- Germination typically takes in 2-4 weeks.
Once seedlings are developed, transplant into larger containers or directly into the garden.
Propagation Through Cuttings
- Take 4- to 6-inch (10-15 cm) semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy and disease-free stems of the parent plant.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings, leaving a few leaves at the top.
- Dip the cut end of each cutting in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development.
- Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix or a tray filled with perlite or vermiculite.
- Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain high humidity around the cuttings by covering them with a plastic bag.
- Place the cuttings in a indirect light location, avoiding direct sunlight.
Let the roots develop within a few weeks. Once roots have formed, transplant the cuttings into individual pots filled with potting soil.
Propagation Through Layering
Layering is a simple and effective method for propagating Cestrum elegans, and it can be done without specialized equipment or expertise. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Required:
- Sharp knife.
- Small shovel or hand trowel
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Potting soil
- Pot or container
Steps:
- Choose a healthy, flexible stem from the Cestrum elegans plant. Ideally, select a stem that is not too old or too young, as it should be flexible enough to bend without breaking.
- Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, wound the selected stem slightly. This can be done by making a small incision or removing a small section of the outer layer of bark. This encourages the formation of roots at the wounded area.
- Bend the wounded portion of the stem gently towards the ground. You can bury this section directly into the soil or place a small pot filled with soil beneath it.
- Over time, roots will begin to form from the wounded section of the stem that is in contact with the soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist. You may need to water the layered stem more frequently than the rest of the plant to ensure that it remains hydrated as it develops roots.
- Once roots have formed and are well-established, you can sever the layered stem from the parent plant. Carefully dig around the newly rooted section, ensuring that you do not damage the developing roots. Transplant it into a pot filled with potting soil.
- Some gardeners like to dip the wounded portion of the stem in rooting hormone before burying it in soil. While this is optional, it can encourage faster root formation.
- After potting up, continue to care for the new plant. Provide it with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to support healthy growth.
Uses of Cestrum Elegans
Some benefits associated with Cestrum Elegans are as follows:
- Ornamental Plant: Being ornamental plant, It is prized for its clusters of vibrant, tubular flowers and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Flowers emit a pleasant fragrance in the evening, making them popular choices for gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Hedging and Screening: Due to its dense foliage and fast growth rate, Cestrum elegans is often used as a hedging or screening plant to provide privacy and create green barriers in gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Cestrum elegans adds beauty and color to outdoor spaces and landscapes with its dark green foliage and purple flowers.
I am Yasir Riaz, an Agronomist for more than a decade. Helping local farmers and Gardeners to improve their crops and Gardens and overall productivity. In addition to my work in agriculture, I have also delved into the digital world as an SEO writer and blogger. Through my blog, I aim to educate and inspire others about the Chameli Flower (Jasmine).