Description

General aspect and origins - Cestrum elegans syn. C. purpureum is also known as the red Cestrum or the purple Cestrum. This shrub is native to Mexico, and has an evergreen foliage and ornamental purple-red flowers.
Leaves - Leaves are evergreen, alternate, narrow, lanceolate, simple, with a short leaf stem, glabrous on the upper side and slightly hairy on the underside.
Flowers - Flowers are grouped in terminal and slightly drooping clusters of 1 in (2.5 cm) purple-red flowers.

Culture

This plant is very ornamental and can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9b and warmer. Elsewhere, it should be brought indoors in winter.
Soil - This plant likes well-drained and fertile soils. Once established, it can withstand occasional droughts ; However it will bloom more profusely if regularly watered during the growing season.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. (In summer with half-ripe wood)