Cestrum elegans

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Cestrum elegans, commonly known as the butterfly flower, is a small shrub with a mature height between 2 and 5 feet. It is a great addition to any garden as its beautiful deep red or vinous flower clusters attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The flowers of Cestrum elegans are also wonderfully fragrant, adding to its charm.

In terms of care, the butterfly flower requires full sun or semi-shade and moderate watering. Established plants will require less frequent watering, making this one of the easier plants to care for. With proper care and protection from frost, Cestrum elegans can survive cold temperatures down to at mid-20F for a short period of time. If you live in a USDA Zone of 8-11, you can easily grow the butterfly flower in your garden. Place the shrub in an area with full sun or semi-shade and water it regularly, making sure that the soil is consistently moist, but not soggy. If planted in a pot, you may need to water Cestrum elegans more frequently, particularly in cold regions where temperatures can drop and moisture doesn't remain in the soil for long. Make sure you bring your plant indoors during the coldest of months and move it outdoors in the spring.

Cestrum elegans is a wonderful addition to any garden and is sure to add beauty and delight to your outdoor space. With its attractive, fragrant deep red or vinous flowers and its low maintenance care requirements, you can easily enjoy the beauty of the butterfly flower for years to come.

Similar plants:

• Cestrum aurantiacum, Cestrum chaculanum, Cestrum paucinervium (Yellow Cestrum)
• Cestrum diurnum (White Chocolate Jasmine, Inkberry, Day Jessamine, Day Blooming Jasmine, China Berry)
• Cestrum nocturnum (Night Blooming Jasmine, Queen of the Night, Night Jessamine, Lady of the Night)
• Cestrum pseudoquina (Quina de Matto)
• Cestrum sp. (Butterfly Flower)