Cestrum elegans aka Crimson Cestrum
Taxonomy
Cestrum elegans, also known as the purple cestrum, red cestrum, or bastard jasmine, is a species of flowering plants in the genus Cestrum. This strong-growing tender evergreen shrub can reach a height of 3m, with pendulous branches and oval-shaped, green leaves up to 10cm long. From summer to autumn, it produces clusters of small trumpets in shades of red, purple, or pink, which are followed by red-purple berries. Native to southern Mexico, this climbing shrub-like perennial has arching stems covered in fine, dense hairs and can reach 6-10' in height with an equal spread. Its elliptic-shaped leaves have a pointed end and fine hairs along the margins. However, it is considered invasive in Australia and New Zealand.
Common names
Crimson Cestrum, Purple CestrumHow to care for Crimson Cestrum
Difficulty
Caring for Crimson Cestrum is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Crimson Cestrum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Crimson Cestrum loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Crimson Cestrum prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Crimson Cestrum to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
