There’s something magical about a garden that comes alive when the sun sets. Night-blooming flowers are like hidden treasures, their delicate petals unfolding under the moonlight to fill the air with enchanting fragrances.
These blooms offer an entirely different garden experience, giving your outdoor space a dreamy vibe that extends well into the evening.
If you’re looking to add a bit of nighttime charm, these flowers are perfect for turning your garden into a serene, nighttime paradise.
Ready to fill your garden with beautiful, nocturnal blooms? Let’s explore some stellar options!
1. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
Let’s talk about the ethereal beauty that unfurls as the sun sets! Moonflower, or Ipomoea alba, opens its large, fragrant white blooms at night, creating a serene and magical garden atmosphere.
These night owls prefer warm climates and need a trellis to climb. Plant them in well-drained soil and give them plenty of sunlight during the day to witness their nighttime magic.
2. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
At dusk, a golden glow emerges in your garden, thanks to the Evening Primrose. Known scientifically as Oenothera biennis, this flower’s vibrant yellow blossoms are a delight as they open in the evening.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Consider sowing them in your garden for a nightly splash of sunshine.
3. Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
When evening falls, the air fills with the intoxicating scent of Night-Blooming Jasmine. Cestrum nocturnum, as it’s scientifically named, produces small, white tubular flowers that release a powerful fragrance at night.
Ensure they have well-draining soil and a sunny spot to flourish. Consider growing them near a seating area to enjoy their aromatic delights.
4. Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia)
Imagine a garden filled with large, trumpet-shaped blooms nodding gently in the evening breeze. Angel’s Trumpet, or Brugmansia, charms with its hanging, fragrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, and pink.
These tropical beauties require rich, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Be cautious, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
5. Four O’Clock (Mirabilis jalapa)
Picture a garden bursting with color as the sun sets. Four O’Clock, or Mirabilis jalapa, lives up to its name by opening its vibrant blossoms in the late afternoon.
They are easy to grow and tolerate a range of soil types. Plant them in a sunny spot and enjoy their multi-colored display.
6. Datura (Datura stramonium)
Under the moon’s watchful eye, Datura’s large, trumpet-like blooms open to reveal their haunting beauty. Known as Datura stramonium, this plant is both stunning and toxic, demanding both admiration and respect.
They thrive in warm, sunny locations with sandy, well-drained soil. Handle with care, as every part of the plant is poisonous if ingested.
7. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
As night falls, gardens are graced with the sweet fragrance of Tuberose. Known scientifically as Polianthes tuberosa, this flower’s intoxicating scent is as captivating as its waxy white petals.
They love sunny spots and well-drained soil. Plant them where you can enjoy their aromatic presence on warm nights.
8. Night-Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala)
As twilight deepens, a sweet fragrance wafts through the garden from Night-Scented Stock. Matthiola longipetala, with its delicate purple blooms, releases its scent in the cool night air.
They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant these beauties near windows or patios to enjoy their scent.
9. Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)
As the autumn nights grow cooler, a starry spectacle unfolds with Sweet Autumn Clematis. This climber, scientifically named Clematis terniflora, drapes itself in a frothy mass of white blooms.
It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Provide a sturdy support for its vigorous vines to ensure a cascade of blossoms.
10. Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata)
Who could resist a flower that smells like chocolate? Berlandiera lyrata, commonly known as Chocolate Flower, releases its cocoa-like scent in the evening.
This delightful plant prefers sunny spots and well-drained soil. Plant them where their rich fragrance can be enjoyed during peaceful evening strolls.
11. Queen of the Night Cactus (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
In the realm of night-blooming wonders, the Queen of the Night Cactus reigns supreme. Selenicereus grandiflorus is famed for its large, exotic white flowers that bloom for just one night.
These cacti thrive in warm climates and need well-drained soil. Grow them in containers to bring inside when temperatures drop, extending their royal presence.
12. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
The allure of a garden filled with the scent of Jasmine is undeniable. Jasminum spp. offers a variety of white-flowered species that release their sweet fragrance at night.
They thrive in sunny, sheltered spots with well-drained soil. Consider planting them near entrances or pathways to enjoy their captivating aroma.
13. Moonlit Climbing Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
At night, the Moonlit Climbing Bean twines its way into the garden spotlight. Known scientifically as Phaseolus coccineus, its white flowers are a charming sight under the moon.
These beans prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil. Provide support for their climbing vines and enjoy their graceful evening display.
14. Night-Blooming Cereus (Hylocereus undatus)
A spectacle like no other awaits with the Night-Blooming Cereus. Hylocereus undatus offers large, fragrant white flowers that open only at night.
These cacti thrive in warm, dry climates and need well-drained soil. Grow them in containers for easy relocation when temperatures drop.
15. Japanese Evening Primrose (Oenothera fruticosa)
Evenings come alive with the bright hues of Japanese Evening Primrose. Oenothera fruticosa flaunts vibrant pink blooms that open as the sun sets.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them in masses for a striking evening display.
16. Night-Blooming Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)
In a tranquil pond, the Night-Blooming Water Lily unfolds its beauty. Nymphaea odorata, with its large, fragrant white flowers, graces the water’s surface at night.
These lilies prefer still, shallow waters. Introduce them to your pond for a serene, aquatic evening addition.
17. Spider Lily (Hymenocallis spp.)
When night falls, the Spider Lily spins its enchanting web of white blooms. Hymenocallis spp. displays spidery flowers that add an exotic touch to any garden.
They love sunny spots with well-drained soil. Plant them in groups for a dramatic, nocturnal impact.
18. Evening Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
As twilight descends, the garden is punctuated with the delicate blues of Evening Lobelia. Lobelia erinus offers clusters of small flowers that thrive in the evening’s coolness.
These plants prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Introduce them to your garden for a refreshing splash of color.
19. Ipomoea (Ipomoea carnea)
In the quiet of the night, Ipomoea carnea reveals its large pink blooms. This plant, part of the morning glory family, thrives in tropical climates.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Consider planting them as a stunning backdrop to your night garden.
20. Nicotiana (Nicotiana alata)
The evening air fills with the sweet fragrance of Nicotiana. Known scientifically as Nicotiana alata, this plant’s star-shaped white flowers open in the coolness of night.
They thrive in sunny spots with rich, well-drained soil. Plant them near patios or walkways to enjoy their aromatic presence.
21. Desert Night-Blooming Cereus (Cereus greggii)
In the desert’s embrace, the Night-Blooming Cereus offers a fleeting spectacle. Cereus greggii provides large, fragrant white flowers that open for one magical night.
These cacti thrive in arid conditions with well-drained soil. Consider growing them in pots for easy relocation when conditions change.
22. Sacred Datura (Datura wrightii)
Under the cloak of night, Sacred Datura reveals its large white blooms. Datura wrightii, with its celestial trumpet-shaped flowers, adds a mystical air to any garden.
They prefer warm climates and sandy, well-drained soil. Exercise caution, as every part of the plant is toxic if ingested.
23. Evening Glory (Ipomoea quamoclit)
When evening arrives, the garden is graced with the starry blooms of Evening Glory. Ipomoea quamoclit offers vibrant red flowers that twine around trellises. They thrive in warm, sunny spots with well-drained soil. Provide support for their climbing vines and enjoy the evening spectacle.
24. Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata)
Evening brings a carpet of magenta blooms with Poppy Mallow. Callirhoe involucrata provides vibrant flowers that open as the sun dips below the horizon.
These plants love full sun and well-drained soil. Consider planting them in rock gardens for a stunning evening display.
25. Evening-Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)
As shadows lengthen, the garden is painted with the soft hues of Evening-Primrose. Oenothera speciosa offers a sea of pale pink flowers that open with the setting sun.
These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them en masse for an ethereal evening view.
26. Midnight Candy Lily (Cyrtanthus mackenii)
The garden is sweetened by the presence of Midnight Candy Lily. Cyrtanthus mackenii features clusters of tubular white flowers that scent the night air.
They prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil. Plant them where their delightful aroma can be savored on warm evenings.
27. Night-Blooming Orchid (Cymbidium spp.)
In the quiet night, the beauty of Night-Blooming Orchids is unveiled. Cymbidium spp. provides exotic flowers that add elegance to the garden.
They thrive in partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. Consider adding them to your collection for a touch of nighttime sophistication.
28. Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
A garden secret, Black Nightshade offers small white flowers and dark, mysterious berries. Solanum nigrum’s flowers open as the day ends, adding intrigue to your garden.
They thrive in well-drained soil and sunny spots. Handle with care, as the berries are toxic if ingested.
29. Evening Balsam (Impatiens balsamina)
Evenings are brightened with the cheerful blooms of Evening Balsam. Impatiens balsamina provides colorful flowers that light up shady corners of the garden.
These plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Consider planting them for a burst of evening color.
30. Mexican Torch (Tithonia rotundifolia)
As the sun sets, the garden is set ablaze with the Mexican Torch. Tithonia rotundifolia offers vibrant orange blooms that stand out in the fading light.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them as a fiery addition to your night garden.