If you’re looking to add a splash of color and a touch of tropical allure to your San Antonio garden, look no further than the Orange Cestrum (Cestrum aurantiacum). This captivating plant not only brightens up your outdoor space but also attracts pollinators, making it a beneficial addition for both beauty and biodiversity. Here’s everything you need to know to grow Orange Cestrum successfully in San Antonio, Texas.
Light Exposure, Soil, and Water Requirements for Orange Cestrum
For optimal growth, plant your Orange Cestrum in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Flowers will be most abundant in more sun, but a bit of afternoon shade can also provide some relief when the summer sun gets intense.
This tropical perennial thrives in average, well-draining soil. San Antonio’s soil can vary, but aim for a loamy mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. It’s best to plant in San Antonio during the cooler months of early spring or fall. This allows the plant to establish its roots with less stress and gives enough time for them to develop before the intense summer heat sets in.
To further help establish these roots, maintain consistent moisture levels during the first few weeks after planting by watering deeply once or twice a week. This should be sufficient if you are planting Orange Cestrum in cooler temperatures. If planting later in the spring or very early in fall, you may need to water more if the temperatures are hot. As the plant matures, it becomes more drought-tolerant and can mostly rely on natural rainfall, but regular watering during dry spells will keep it looking its best.
Orange Cestrum Maturity, Fertilization and Hardiness
Orange Cestrum is top hardy to zone 8, but root hardy to zone 7, making it well-suited for San Antonio’s climate. Mulching during the winter can help protect its roots. It can withstand occasional cold snaps but may require protection during periods of extreme or lengthy freezes. If it dies back to its roots, it may only top out at 6′ tall, but if it skates through winter unscathed, it can get much taller. You can also expect this plant to get about 4′-6′ wide, so make sure you allow plenty of space for it to grow to maturity.
Orange Cestrum benefits from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 (N-P-K) formula. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to support robust growth and vibrant blooms. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Don’t fertilize in fall as you don’t want to push any tender new growth that could get damaged in winter temperatures.
Cestrum Pollinators and Flowers
One of the delightful benefits of Orange Cestrum is its ability to attract pollinators. The plant’s bright, tubular flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. It typically blooms from late spring through fall, offering a long season of color and activity in your garden.
Orange Cestrum flowers are visually stunning, with clusters of small, trumpet-shaped blooms that boast a vibrant, fiery orange/golden yellow hue. These clusters stand out against the plant’s lush, dark green foliage, creating a striking contrast that catches the eye. Each individual flower is delicate, with a soft, velvety texture that adds to its allure.
Pruning and Training Orange Cestrum
To keep your Orange Cestrum looking tidy and to encourage more blooms, you can lightly prune it regularly after each flowering cycle. When more substantial pruning is needed, wait to do so in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
If you’d like to train it to grow in a tree form, select a strong central stem and gradually remove lower branches as the plant grows. Regularly trim any competing stems to maintain a single trunk.
5 Extra Facts about Orange Cestrum
- Orange Cestrum is also known as “Orange Jessamine” or “Day Jessamine.”
- It is part of the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.
- The plant’s flowers are fragrant, reminiscent of a blend of honeysuckle and jasmine, a kind of sweet-spicy citrus fragrance. This scent permeates the air, especially during the evening hours.
- While beautiful, it’s important to note that all parts of the Orange Cestrum are toxic if ingested, so exercise caution if you have pets or small children.
- Orange Cestrum has no real issues with pest or disease, and is also considered deer resistant.
Incorporating Orange Cestrum into your San Antonio garden is a fantastic way to enjoy vibrant colors, attract pollinators, and add a touch of tropical flair. With the right care and attention, this plant will reward you with a stunning display that lasts from spring to fall. Happy gardening!
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
