Water
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering during cooler months.
Also known as Crimson Cestrum · Red Cestrum
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Cestrum elegans, commonly known as Purple Cestrum, is a fast-growing shrub with clusters of pink to red tubular flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
80% intensity
Protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
70% intensity
Water more frequently during hot weather and reduce in winter.
Well-draining, fertile soil. A mix of loam and compost is ideal.
50% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures.
80% intensity
Ideal range is 15-25°C. Can tolerate brief cooler periods.
Outdoor, Indoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Feed regularly during the growing season.
60% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks from spring to autumn.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering during cooler months.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or crossing branches. Can be pruned hard to rejuvenate.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Can also be grown from seed, though cultivars may not come true.
Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Purple Cestrum (Cestrum elegans)
Where Purple Cestrum (Cestrum elegans) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Cestrum |
| Species | Cestrum elegans |
Similar in genus Cestrum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
