Cestrum × cultum 'Cretan Purple'
bastard jasmine 'Cretan Purple'
A tender evergreen shrub to around 150cm in height with oval-shaped, green leaves. Clusters of evening-fragranced, small trumpet-shaped purple-blue flowers appear in the summer. Best grown in a greenhouse/conservatory but may survive outdoors if grown in a mild, sheltered part of the garden
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful of eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Cestrum can be shrub or scrambling climbers, with simple, evergreen leaves and tubular or salver-shaped flowers in terminal and axillary clusters, followed by red or black berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in containers using peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with good ventilation and shade from hot sun. Water freely in summer and keep just moist in winter. Can be grown outdoors in a sheltered sunny site and well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring at 13-18°C, or propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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