Night-blooming flowering plants, such as the Moonflower and Night Jasmine, are known for their captivating fragrances and unique appearances, attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths. These plants often exhibit white or pale colors to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. Your garden can benefit from these beautiful additions, providing a stunning visual and olfactory experience after sunset. The Night-Blooming Cereus, a desert cactus, produces large, fragrant flowers that unfurl only in the evening. Incorporating these specimens into your landscaping will create a magical atmosphere as you enjoy their beauty under the stars.
List of some Flowering plants that bloom at night
- Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
- Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
- Night-Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala)
- Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
- Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Casablanca Lily (Lilium 'Casablanca')
- Queen of the Night Orchid (Brassavola nodosa)
- Night Phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis)
- Chocolate Daisy (Berlandiera lyrata)
- Nicotiana (Nicotiana alata)
Important things about Flowering plants that bloom at night
Night-Blooming Jasmine
Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is a fragrant flowering plant renowned for its white, tubular blossoms that emit a strong aroma during the night. This tropical shrub thrives in warm climates and is often used in gardens for its ability to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths. You can enhance your outdoor space by planting night-blooming jasmine near patios or along walkways, where its sweet scent can be enjoyed during evening gatherings. The plant prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering, making it an appealing choice for low-maintenance gardening while adding visual and olfactory appeal after sunset.
Moonflower
Moonflowers, scientifically known as Ipomoea alba, are enchanting flowering plants that thrive in the warm, tropical climates and are renowned for their stunning nocturnal blooms. These exquisite flowers unfurl in the evening, releasing a subtle fragrance that attracts night pollinators like moths. As a member of the morning glory family, moonflowers feature large, trumpet-shaped blossoms that can reach up to six inches in diameter, creating a striking visual display against the night sky. Cultivating moonflowers in your garden can offer a unique sensory experience and enhance the evening ambiance with their beauty and aroma.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a captivating flowering plant known for its striking yellow blooms that open at dusk, attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths. This native wildflower thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in prairies, meadows, and roadside areas across North America. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the evening primrose plant is also cultivated for its oil, widely recognized for its potential health benefits, including support for skin health and hormonal balance. You can enhance your garden's biodiversity by incorporating evening primrose, making it an excellent choice for those interested in nocturnal gardening.
Night-Blooming Cereus
Night-blooming cereus, scientifically known as Epiphyllum oxypetalum, is a remarkable flowering plant that emits its exquisite fragrance during the night. This enchanting cactus features stunning, large white blooms that open after sunset, attracting nocturnal pollinators such as moths. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, it thrives in warm, humid environments, making it a unique addition to gardens and indoor spaces. Cultivating night-blooming cereus requires well-drained soil and indirect sunlight, allowing you to indulge in its breathtaking display under the moonlight.
Datura
Datura, commonly known as "moonflower" or "angel's trumpet," is a genus of flowering plants that captivates night pollinators with its stunning, large, trumpet-shaped blooms. These enchanting flowers, which often emit a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, typically open at dusk and remain open throughout the night, attracting moths and other nocturnal creatures. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions, Datura species thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade, making them an interesting choice for night gardens. However, it's essential to handle Datura with care, as all parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids that can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested.
Queen Of The Night
The Queen of the Night, scientifically known as Selenicereus grandiflorus, is a stunning flowering cactus renowned for its extraordinary nocturnal blooms. This flower opens only at night, releasing an intoxicating fragrance that attracts pollinators such as moths and bats. Typically, the petals unfurl in the late evening, creating a breathtaking spectacle that lasts for just a few hours before wilting at dawn. If you are looking to cultivate a garden with enchanting night-blooming plants, consider adding this remarkable specimen along with other nocturnal bloomers like the Evening Primrose and Night-Blooming Jasmine.
Four O'Clock Flower
Four o'clock flowers, scientifically known as Mirabilis jalapa, are unique flowering plants renowned for their striking, fragrant blooms that open in the late afternoon or early evening. These plants feature trumpet-shaped blossoms in vibrant hues of yellow, pink, red, and white, attracting nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bees. The adaptability of four o'clock flowers allows them to thrive in various environments, from gardens to roadside wildflowers. With a distinctive ability to bloom at night, they offer an enchanting display and add a touch of magic to your evening landscape.
Tuberose
Tuberose, scientifically known as *Polianthes tuberosa*, is a fragrant flowering plant that blooms at night, releasing an enchanting scent that attracts nocturnal pollinators such as moths. This perennial plant is native to Mexico and thrives in well-drained soils, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. You can cultivate tuberose in containers or flower beds, benefiting from its tall, elegant spikes adorned with white waxy flowers. The essential oil extracted from tuberose flowers is widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy, adding to its allure as a captivating nighttime bloomer.
Night Lily
Night lilies, often referred to as evening bloomers, are flowering plants that captivate with their enchanting nocturnal blooms. These plants, including varieties like the Epiphyllum oxypetalum and the Queen of the Night, open their flowers after sunset, releasing captivating scents to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths. Their delicate, white petals reflect moonlight, creating a stunning visual display in your garden during the night hours. Care for night lilies involves ensuring they receive adequate indirect sunlight during the day and maintaining well-drained, rich soil to promote their unique nighttime blooming cycle.
Night-Scented Stock
Night-scented stock (Matthiola longipetala) is a captivating flowering plant known for its fragrant blooms that open at twilight. This species thrives in well-drained soil and can add an enchanting aroma to your nighttime garden. Its delicate white or lavender flowers attract nocturnal pollinators like moths, enhancing the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem. When planted in clusters, night-scented stock creates a visually stunning and olfactorily delightful experience, making it a perfect choice for evening gatherings or moonlit strolls.