Botanical Name: Cestrum elegans (Cestrum purpureum)
Common Name: Red cestrum
Type of Plant: dicot: shrub
Character evergreen
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape few to several erect, slender, arching stems – forms a loose, open canopy, tends to become rank and top-heavy without regular pruning
Height 6-10'
Spread 4-8'
Growth Rate rapid
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors prefers partial sun, tolerates full
Soil prefers well-draining, moist soils – tolerates most
Hardiness some frost (zones 13, 17, 19-24)
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, alternate, narrow-ovate, 3-5" long, 1-1 1/2" wide, short-petioled, slightly pubescent underside
Flowers red to burgundy tubular flowers in terminal clusters, individual blooms 3/4-1" long
Fruit fleshy, maroon-purple berry, 1/4", poisonous
 
Propagation:
seed, softwood cuttings
 
Usage:
tall filler, loose screen, background - best in warm sheltered area with damp soil – tropical landscapes
 
Landscape Care:
Watering regular to heavy watering preferred
Fertilizing 2-3 times a year
Pruning head back lightly and frequently for compactness
Pests/Diseases buffalo treehoppers (worst in spring)
Special Conditions/Other good hummingbird attractor
 
Origin: Mexico/Central America
Family: Solanaceae

Notes:
 
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