Orange Cestrum carries its origins in Central and South America visibly — the bold, glossy leaves and the exuberant clusters of tubular orange-gold flowers speak of tropical abundance. In its native habitat, this sprawling shrub or vine can reach 15 feet or more; in gardens where winter temperatures dip below freezing, it typically dies back to the crown and regenerates each spring, settling in at a more manageable 5 feet or so. The top growth is hardy to zone 8, but the roots survive to zone 7, making it a rewarding choice across a wide swath of southern gardens where 'tender' plants often prove more resilient than expected.

The flowers carry a sweet, spicy, citrus-inflected fragrance that intensifies in the evening, making it an ideal planting near a patio or outdoor sitting area where the scent can be enjoyed after dark. Butterflies are drawn to the blossoms through the long flowering season. In autumn, when frost finally cuts the stems down, the correct response is to trim them back cleanly and mound mulch over the crown to insulate the root system. Come spring, the new shoots will push up vigorously. It espaliers well against a warm wall, tolerates drought once established, and asks only for a sunny to partly shaded spot in average, well-drained soil — a generous plant for the attention it requires.