PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; blooms most profusely in full sun, tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–28°C; tolerates light frost down to 5°C but requires protection from hard freezes
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, lanceolate willow-like leaves, glossy medium green, arranged alternately on stems
- Flower: Clusters of small tubular yellow-green blooms, emitting strong sweet fragrance at night
- Stem: Woody branching stems with smooth, light brown bark that becomes slightly fissured with age
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Feed monthly with balanced diluted liquid fertilizer. Discontinue fertilization in autumn to prepare the shrub for dormancy
Banana peel tea：Soak 2–3 chopped banana peels in 1L water for 3 days; dilute 1:10 with water before applying as a root drench to support floweringPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage dense new growth
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Cut back overgrown stems by one-third in early spring to maintain a compact form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains solanine-like alkaloids that cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms
Humans: Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain; sap may cause mild skin irritation
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental night-scented garden shrub; use with caution due to toxicity to pets and humans
