An evergreen shrub of upright habit and variously-colored flowers in cymes or fascicles blooming in Winter or early Spring. It should have a well-sheltered position and does best in light sandy soil, not being hardy where the temperature falls below twenty-six degrees Fahrenheit. The best known species are Cestrum elegans (purplish-red), Cestrum fasciculatum and Cestrum aurantiacum (yellow), all natives of Mexico.

Propagate by cuttings placed in cold frame, in soil composed of half sand and half leaf-mold, in September; shade from the sun until rooted.