Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions including some shade, clayey or sandy soils, and occasional inundation. Hardy in Zones 7-10. Frost will damage flowers and growing tips, while colder temperatures will cause dieback. Resprouts readily from the roots in spring and will reach 4-6' tall. Provide a sheltered site and winter mulch in cold winter climates. Propagate by air layering, softwood cuttings, or seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cestrum parqui, commonly called willow-leaved jessamine, Chilean jessamine, or green cestrum, is a semi-evergreen, medium to large sized, fast-growing shrub native to South America from central Chile and Argentina north to southern Brazil, Paraguay and the Bolivian Andes. This plant has escaped cultivation in subtropical regions around the world including southern Africa, Europe, and North America and is considered invasive in Australia. Mature plants will reach 5-10' tall with a 3-7' spread and a sprawling to straggling growth habit. The woody stems and branches are thin, straight, upright, and lined with alternately arranged, narrowly ovate to lanceolate, dark green leaves reaching 3" long and 1" wide. The leaves are fragrant when crushed and described has having a pungent, unpleasant odor reminiscent of rubber or peanut butter. Clusters of 1-10, 0.75" long, pale yellow-green, tubular flowers bloom at the ends of the branches and in the upper leaf axils forming open panicles. The bloom period begins in summer and lasts until frost. The flowers are strongly fragrant, emitting a pleasant aroma at night, and attract hummingbirds. The flowers are followed by small, ovoid berries that mature to black and are attractive to birds.
Genus name is from the Greek name for the plant.
The specific epithet parqui refers to the common name of this plant in Chile.
The common names of this species variously refer to the narrow shape of its leaves, its native range, or the color of the blooms.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note. Has escaped cultivation and is considered invasive in certain areas. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Mixed borders, night gardens, hummingbird gardens, patios, large containers. Situate close to walkways, patios, or porches so the nighttime fragrance can be easily enjoyed.