Are you considering creating a Moon garden but don’t know how to begin? A garden that blooms at night can be a wonderful enhancement to your outdoor area. In this piece, Melissa Strauss, an experienced gardener, provides insights into her preferred night-blooming plants that are ideal for a Moon garden.
Melissa Strauss published an article on June 6, 2023, which has been updated and is 15 minutes long.
A moon garden is a breathtaking oasis where pale, luminous flowers radiate their beauty in the moonlight and emit their sweet fragrance into the night air. While it’s not mandatory for all flowers in a moon garden to bloom at night, the ones that do are the stars of the show, offering a spectacular foundation to build upon.
Night-blooming flowers are especially magical as they release their scent during dusk, perfuming the atmosphere around them. These fragrant blooms are perfect to plant near an outdoor dining area or patio, where they can be enjoyed on warm summer evenings or early morning moments when the garden is tranquil and serene.
Most of the nocturnal plants have brief blooms that last only a night, withering quickly once the sun rises. Gazing at these fleeting blossoms is an exercise in patience and devotion, and their brief yet enchanting appearance is a reward for diligent gardeners.
Gardening is a passion for many of us, and we pursue it for various reasons such as providing food, supporting pollinators, or enhancing privacy. Nevertheless, there’s something special about creating a garden purely for the sake of basking in its enchanted moments and relishing the fruits of our labor.
How about we take a moment to appreciate some of the most beautiful night flowers that bloom under the moonlight? These flowers are sure to captivate and fascinate anyone who witnesses them opening up under the silver glow of the moon. One such flower is the Angel’s Trumpet.
The Angel’s Trumpet plant is a charming decorative plant that boasts lovely trumpet-shaped flowers that emit a delightful fragrance. Its scientific name is Brugmansia spp.
The Angel’s Trumpet is an evergreen plant that thrives during summer and requires full sun exposure. It belongs to South America, but it is nearly extinct in the wild. Nonetheless, it is a stunning ornamental plant that captures attention. These trees can grow as large shrubs or be trained into a tree-like shape for up to 30 feet tall in certain areas. They can also be maintained as a container plant to keep them more compact. The Angel’s Trumpet got its name from its large trumpet-shaped flowers, which can range from 6 to 24 inches long. These flowers hang down like twirling skirts and bloom at night. They emit a sweet fragrance and are mainly pollinated by moths.
If you have kids or pets at home, it’s best to be mindful of where you put the Angel’s Trumpet plant. This plant is toxic to both humans and animals, so it’s important to avoid any contact with it. However, despite this warning, there is no denying the enchanting allure of the Angel’s Trumpet plant. Another magical plant worth mentioning is the Casa Blanca Lily.
The Casa Blanca Lily is a highly coveted flower known for its stunning, sizeable, aromatic, and enduring white blooms. Its botanical name is Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’.
The Casa Blanca Lily is a perennial plant that blooms in mid to late summer. It can thrive in full sun to part shade and is suitable for zones 4-9. The beautiful creamy white flowers of this plant are a favorite among summer brides and emit the most fragrance in the evening when their petals unfurl. With the right conditions, the flowers can remain open for up to 2 weeks. This oriental hybrid grows up to 3′-4′ tall on sturdy stems that can hold clusters of up to 8 large blooms ranging from 6″-8″. They make great cut flowers, so you can have them in your garden or bring them indoors to enjoy their sweet scent. The Casa Blanca Lily blooms so abundantly that it’s an excellent choice for both garden and indoor arrangements. You can admire its stunning white flowers under the sun or moonlight.
The Chocolate Daisy is a type of flower that blooms in various shades of brown, resembling the color of chocolate. It is a beautiful addition to any garden and can add a unique touch to floral arrangements. This flower is also known for its sweet fragrance, which makes it even more attractive. If you want to add some chocolatey warmth to your garden, consider planting this delightful flower!
The Chocolate Daisy is a member of the Aster family and is known for its low-maintenance upkeep. It blooms with a delightful chocolate fragrance for several months. The botanical name for this lovely plant is Berlandiera lyrata.
The chocolate daisy is a type of perennial that thrives from spring to fall and requires either full or partial sun exposure. It can be grown in zones 4-10 with minimal upkeep. Belonging to the Aster family, this plant has a wide range and is indigenous to the Southwestern region of the United States. It’s an ideal option for areas with dry conditions as it’s drought-resistant and can bloom for extended periods, particularly in warmer climates. Regularly removing spent blooms is recommended for encouraging more flowers to grow.
As the sun sets, delicate, yellow blossoms flourish and emit a delightful aroma that’s strongest at dawn. Those who wake up early will find the scent to be a perfect match for their morning coffee. These plants, which grow to be 1-2 feet tall and wide, make an excellent border for patios or walkways. They’re known as Deer-Horn Cacti.
The Deer-Horn cactus, which is a one-of-a-kind plant that blooms at night and is found in the desert areas, can bring a touch of mystique to any succulent garden. Its scientific name is Peniocereus greggii.
Let’s talk about a very fascinating plant that blooms at night, the Arizona Queen of the Night or commonly known as deer horn cactus. This perennial cactus thrives during summer and can tolerate full sun to part shade exposure. It is suitable for zones 9-10. This unique plant is native to the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts, making it an extraordinary addition to any succulent garden. At first glance, it may not seem like much with its thin, spiny arms, but when it blooms, it transforms into something truly amazing.
The deer horn cactus boasts its most impressive feature in the form of delicate white flowers that are coated in wax. These flowers only last for a single night and are open just long enough for pollinators to do their job at dawn. Despite their short-lived nature, these flowers are heavily scented and have numerous petals. Once they are gone, the plant produces thin, red fruits that attract birds and other creatures.
Datura is a plant that boasts upward-facing blooms and enjoys basking in the bright sun. Its sweet honeysuckle-like fragrance entices pollinators to come visit. Known scientifically as Datura, this plant is one of nature’s beautiful creations.
This particular plant can be categorized as either an annual or perennial, and is best grown from spring through fall. It thrives best in areas with full sun exposure, and can thrive in zones 5-7 if planted as an annual, and zones 8-10 if grown as a perennial. It’s important to note that this plant should be handled with caution, similar to the angel’s trumpet, due to its poisonous nature. It’s recommended to avoid planting it in areas where small children and pets frequent. The devil’s trumpet has flowers that are similar in shape to the angel’s trumpet, but with a different orientation – the flowers turn up instead of hanging down. These flowers are typically white, with hints of lavender or pink at the edges and within the throat.
Datura is a member of the nightshade family and shares similarities with tomato and eggplant. If grown in full sunlight, the plant’s foliage will grow dense and shrubby, displaying a blueish hue. While it can also thrive in partial shade, the foliage may become spindly, and fewer flowers will bloom. The plant’s fragrant honeysuckle-like scent attracts pollinators such as sphinx moths.
Moving on to the Dragonfruit Cactus…
The dragonfruit cactus is a night-bloomer that entices bats to help with pollination. Its beautiful, fragrant flowers are quite sizable and lovely to behold.
Scientifically known as Selenicereus undatus.
Type of Plant: Perennial Cactus
Growing Season: Spring to Fall
Recommended Exposure: Full Sunlight
Climate Zones: 9-11
Numerous cacti species have the tendency to bloom during the night, and this characteristic is also present in the dragonfruit cactus. Furthermore, this cactus plant yields delectable fruits that are readily available in various grocery stores and farmer’s markets located in the Southern parts of the United States.
Watch this brief clip that captures the breathtaking moment of a dragonfruit cactus unfolding in full bloom. These beautiful flowers emit a captivating aroma and typically blossom at night, attracting bats for pollination. However, due to the sweltering heat during the day, they swiftly close up. To ensure optimal fruit production, some growers manually pollinate them.
The dragonfruit cactus boasts magnificent and sizable blooms that can reach up to 14 inches in length and 9 inches in width. These blooms have a distinctive tubular shape with numerous petals. While the majority of these flowers are white, certain species can produce pink or red blooms. Not only are the plant’s flowers visually stunning, but its fruit is also edible. Additionally, a single plant can produce multiple blooms throughout a single growing season.
The Easter Lily cactus is a beautiful plant that produces lily-like flowers with a delightful fragrance during the night. This plant is also known for its pest-resistant properties and ability to withstand colder temperatures. Its botanical name is Echinopsis oxygen.
The Easter Lily cactus is a perennial plant that belongs to the cactus family. It thrives during spring and can adapt well to either full sun or part sun exposure. This plant grows best in zones 8-11. The Royal Horticultural Society bestowed the Award of Garden Merit on this plant, and it’s not hard to see why. For most parts of the year, the cactus forms a cute little bunch of spheres with many crests and pointy spines. In spring, these clusters grow into green stems about 12” tall, bearing large, sweet-smelling, lily-like flowers in white or pink hues.
The remarkable flowers of the Easter Lily cactus bloom in the late afternoon when the temperature drops. They last only for one night and wilt the next day as the temperature rises. A mature cactus can continue to flourish through the summer, producing up to twelve of these stunning inflorescences.
Easter Lily cacti are highly resistant to pests and diseases and can endure cold weather as long as they remain dry during winter. However, these plants can also be grown indoors in containers during the cold season.
Have you ever heard of Evening Primrose? It’s a fascinating plant that blooms in the late afternoon and evening hours, hence its name. This plant belongs to the Onagraceae family and is native to North and South America. Its bright yellow flowers are not only beautiful but also have medicinal properties that have been used for centuries by indigenous people. The oil extracted from the seeds of Evening Primrose is rich in essential fatty acids and has been found to be helpful in treating various health conditions such as eczema, arthritis, and hormonal imbalances. So next time you see this lovely plant, remember its beauty is not just skin deep!
The Evening Primrose is a swiftly growing plant that’s highly valued for its therapeutic properties and captivating yellow blooms that only open up at night. Its scientific name is Oenothera biennis.
The evening primrose is a native North American plant that grows quickly and blooms at night. While it’s more commonly used as a supplement, it also produces lovely flowers during the summer and fall seasons. It prefers full sun to part shade and can grow in zones 4-9. Keep in mind that this plant is biennial, meaning it won’t bloom in its first year. However, it self-seeds and should produce plenty of flowers in subsequent years.
The lovely blossoms of the Evening Rain Lily are a sight to behold. They are dainty and have a beautiful yellow color, along with a delightful lemony scent that attracts moths to the garden in the evening. These four-petaled flowers bloom at night and close during the day. It’s advisable to remove the withered flowers to prevent the plant from self-seeding.
The prairie flower is a delightful plant that thrives in sunny locations. It grows from bulbs and produces lovely white flowers that gradually change to pink while emitting a pleasant aroma. Its scientific name is Zephyranthus drummondii.
This particular flower is a perennial and can be found blooming from late spring through fall. It prefers full sun, but it can also thrive in partial shade. The zones best suited for its growth are 7-10. This beautiful flower belongs to the amaryllis family and can be commonly found as a wild prairie flower in most parts of central United States. Since they grow from bulbs, it is easy to control their spread. The white flowers of this plant bloom in the evening, making it an ideal flower to have in a moon garden. These flowers can survive for a few days and also serve as an excellent source of nectar for bees and butterflies. Typically, these flowers bloom after rain, starting off as white and gradually changing to pink as they age. Additionally, they emanate a pleasant fragrance.
Tobacco plants that bloom with beautiful flowers
The Flowering Tobacco plant, which belongs to the nightshade family, thrives in soil that’s abundant in nutrients and moisture. Its main purpose for cultivation is for its decorative appeal. Scientifically known as Nicotiana alata.
Type of Plant: Can be either Perennial or Annual
Time of Year: Late Summer
Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun
Geographic Regions: Perennial in zones 10-11, Annual in all other regions
The flowering tobacco plant, also known as jasmine tobacco, is a member of the nightshade family. This plant prefers organic, nutrient-rich soil that is moist. While it is similar to N. tabacum, it is not grown for its leaves, but rather for its ornamental value. The flowering tobacco plant is delicate and typically grows to only 3′-5′ tall with long spatulate leaves.
One of the most notable characteristics of this tobacco plant is its flowers, which only bloom at night. These long, tubular blooms are typically yellow-green to white and emit a soft scent that is often compared to jasmine. It is an ideal plant for Moon gardens and attracts moths that help to pollinate its delicate flowers.
Another plant that is worth mentioning is the foamflower.
Tiarella, also known as Foamflower, is a beautiful plant that boasts eye-catching white flower spikes and striking foliage.
Tiarella, also known as foamflower, is a perennial plant that blooms in the spring season. It thrives in full to partial sunlight and is suitable for planting in zones 4-9. What makes this plant truly special is its frothy white flower spikes that grow on top of red and green foliage. Tiarella adds a dramatic touch to any garden bed with its beautiful bi-colored foliage that grows in a mounding fashion. It’s versatile and can be grown in containers, as a solitary plant or in groups. The bottle-brush-type inflorescences bloom at night and emit a light fragrance that attracts pollinators. This plant has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit and is evergreen in mild climates. In cooler climates, the foliage turns bronze as the weather cools. Tiarella blooms for about six weeks in late spring to early summer, making it an excellent choice for garden enthusiasts.
The Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as Four O’Clocks, are a charming addition to any garden border. These plants bloom in the late afternoon and bring about nostalgia with their beautiful flowers that attract pollinators.
Perennial plants that bloom during the summer and fall seasons are known as Four O’Clocks, which have remained popular due to their attractive appearance. These shrubby plants are ideal for decorating patios or walkways, particularly during the later part of the day. Four O’Clocks come in various colors and produce abundant blooms. The flowers begin to open in the late afternoon as the sun sets and the temperature drops. While they bloom during the spring season in the Southern United States, in cooler climates, these flowers begin to appear during the summer. Four O’Clocks have a fragrant and colorful display that attracts early pollinators before wilting due to the heat. However, they bloom again during the night with a new wave of beautiful flowers. Another garden favorite is Gardenia Augusta.
The beautiful Gardenia plant boasts lush green leaves that don’t wither and gorgeous white flowers that give off an enchanting aroma. Its official botanical name is Gardenia jasminodes.
Type of Plant: Evergreen
Season: Summer
Exposure: Full Sun
Zones: 8-11
The Mock Orange plant is an evergreen shrub that blooms in the summer season. Its glossy, evergreen foliage is similar to that of the coffee plant. The Augusta variety of Mock Orange is a large shrub that boasts stunning creamy white blossoms that open in a swirling rosette of exquisite fragrance.
Mock Orange plants are cold-hardy to zone 8 and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°. This makes them a great choice for those living in colder regions. Even during the winter season, they retain their greenery and remain one of the loveliest plants in the yard.
Contrary to popular belief, Mock Orange plants don’t necessarily bloom at night. However, their fragrance intensifies in the evening, making them an ideal addition to any moon garden or night-blooming garden. Their flowers will shine bright in the light of the moon, and their scent is unmatched among other flowers. They are a must-have for any garden enthusiast.
Mock Orange plants are also suitable for container gardening. So, if you live in an apartment or have limited space, you can still enjoy the beauty and fragrance of these exquisite plants.
If you’re in search of a plant that provides both privacy and a delightful fragrance, look no further than the Mock Orange shrub! This dense beauty is perfect for creating hedges that block out prying eyes, while its lovely white flowers are a magnet for fluttering butterflies. Technically known as Philadelphus coronarius, it’s a must-have for any green-thumbed gardener looking to add some charm to their outdoor space.
This deciduous shrub, known as mock orange, is an ideal option for a privacy hedge due to its dense foliage. With a blooming season in spring and summer, this plant thrives in full sun to part sun exposure and can be grown in zones 3-8. Its fragrant white flowers, resembling orange blossoms, are popular among pollinators, especially butterflies. Blooming intensely from May to June, this shrub boasts clusters of four-petaled white blossoms that open successively at night over several weeks. Its exquisite beauty is further heightened by the moonlight, making it a captivating sight in any garden.
The Moonflower is a type of plant that grows by climbing and boasts beautiful white flowers that only bloom during the night. Its scientific name is Ipomoea alba.
Plant Category: Annual or Perennial
Season: Summer to Fall
Exposure: Full Sun
Zones: It can be a perennial in zones 10-12.
Here, we are referring to Ipomoea alba as Moonflower, although the name is often used interchangeably with Datura. The vast Ipomoea genus includes commonly known plants like morning glory and sweet potato. Moonflower is a climbing plant that can grow up to 30 feet in length.
Moonflower is a stunning addition to any outdoor living space, especially when grown on a trellis or an arched entryway. Their white-colored, large blossoms emit a sweet and delicate aroma, which will attract pollinating moths. The leaves of this vine are also quite appealing even when it’s not in bloom due to its heart-shaped appearance.
Another night-blooming flower is Night Blooming Jasmine.
The Night-Blooming Jasmine is a charming bush that boasts sweet-smelling white blossoms that bloom at night. Known scientifically as Cestrum nocturnum, this plant is a true delight to the senses.
This plant is an evergreen, which means it retains its leaves year-round. It typically blooms during the winter and spring months and requires full sun to part shade exposure. It thrives in zones 8-12. There has been some debate over the use of the names Jasmine and Jessamine for this and similar plants. While some believe the names are interchangeable, others argue that they refer to distinct species. For the sake of clarity, we will refer to this particular plant as night-blooming jasmine, though it may also be called jessamine. Regardless of its name, Cestrum nocturnum is a truly delightful plant. Its woody evergreen shrub produces an abundance of tubular white flowers, which open in the evening and emit a stunningly beautiful scent. The flowers close during the day but return each evening throughout the summer and into the fall. The fragrance of this tropical beauty can travel as far as 500ft from the plant.
Night phlox, also known as Zaluzianskya capensis, is a beautiful plant that blooms during the night. It has small, fragrant flowers that open up in the evening and emit a wonderful scent. The plant is native to South Africa and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens around the world.
With its sweet fragrance and charming appearance, the night phlox is a popular choice for gardeners who want to create a romantic or peaceful atmosphere in their outdoor space. Its delicate white or pink blooms are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
If you’re interested in growing night phlox in your own garden, it’s important to know that the plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings, and should be watered regularly to ensure healthy growth.
Overall, the night phlox is a lovely plant that is sure to add charm and beauty to any garden. With its unique ability to bloom at night, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to create a magical and enchanting atmosphere in their outdoor space.
If you’re looking to create a beautiful moon garden, Night Phlox is definitely a flower you don’t want to skip. Not only does it offer a range of colors to choose from, but its sweet scent is sure to captivate your senses.