16 Best Night-Blooming Plants for Moon Gardens

When designing your moon garden, choose plants that put on their best show at night. From the elegant moonflower to the fragrant gardenia, discover the best night-blooming plants for moon gardens. They’re not just a treat for the eyes, but also for the nose.

White blooms reflect the light of the moon better than colorful flowers, and the more fragrant the flower, the better. But that doesn’t mean your moon garden can’t have colorful, fragrant flowers or non-fragrant, white blossoms. Having a variety of night flowers will make even the nighttime pollinators love your garden.

16 best night-blooming plants for moon gardens

Whether it be the allure of stargazing, the tranquility of an evening stroll, or the enchantment of fragrant, night-blooming flora, moon gardens have become a cherished refuge for those who seek solace, inspiration, and a deep connection with the night. And, with this list of the best night-blooming plants, you’ll be able to transform your garden into a haven of nocturnal wonder.

1. Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia)

Sometimes called datura, this South American native plant can bring a slice of the tropics to your moon garden. This night bloomer is quite breathtaking with its orange, white, pink, or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers.

However, its remarkable trait is its propensity to release a heady, sweet fragrance during the night. This intoxicating aroma, which lingers in the cool night air, can transform your garden into a sensory haven, providing an unforgettable olfactory experience.

Note, though, that its seeds, flowers, and leaves are poisonous and can even be fatal.

Growth habit: Shrub or small tree

USDA hardiness zone: 9-11

Mature size: 7-8 feet tall

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Sweet scent

Bloom time: Midsummer to fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil

Water needs: High

Maintenance: Low

2. Casa Blanca lily (Lilium ’Casa Blanca’)

The “Casa Blanca” lily is a sight to behold. Its pearl-white flowers feature arching petals and contrasting reddish-brown anthers that unfurl in the evening. The petals reflect and magnify the moon’s gentle radiance, enhancing any garden’s ethereal beauty under the moonlight.

This night-bloomer emits a sweet, delicate fragrance in the evenings and perfectly fits fresh-cut flower arrangements. However, lilies might not be the best choice if you have a cat that patrols the garden, as they’re highly toxic to cats.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 4-9

Mature size: 3-4 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Sweet, delicate

Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

3. Chocolate daisy (Berlandiera lyrata)

The chocolate daisy is a perennial wildflower. The daisy-shaped flower puts on a colorful display with its maroon central disk, bright green bracts, and striking yellow petals. Its golden yellow flowers might not glow in the darkness like white petals will, but the chocolate aroma sure makes up for it.

Chocolate daisies are heat and drought-tolerant, making them great flowers for your rock garden, too.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 4-10

Mature size: 1-2 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Chocolate

Bloom time: Late spring through autumn; blooms year-round in frost-free areas

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers sandy, rocky, dry to medium, well-drained soils

Water needs: Low to medium

Maintenance: Low

4. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)

The evening primrose makes its appearance at dusk and closes its yellow, bowl-shaped flowers in the morning. Its nocturnal flowers emit a mild lemon scent in the air. It spreads in the landscape by self-seeding and commonly grows in thickets, prairies, fields, and along the roadside. The cheery flower is also an excellent addition to the wildflower or cottage garden.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 4-9

Mature size: 3-5 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Mild lemon

Bloom time: Early summer to early fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers sandy, gravelly, medium moisture, well-drained soil

Water needs: Low to medium

Maintenance: Low

5. Evening rain lily (Zephyranthes drummondii)

The evening rain lily is a bulbous perennial that often bursts into bloom in the late afternoon and evening, welcoming the night with a showy display of pristine, white, or pink, lily-like flowers.

Their enchanting, star-shaped blossoms, which open in response to evening moisture, bloom for two to four days before turning pink and wilting away. Its delicate petals contrast nicely with its blue-green, narrow leaves and are sure to stand out in your moon garden.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 7-10

Mature size: 6-12 inches

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Sweet-smelling

Bloom time: Late spring through early fall

Sunlight needs: Tolerates light shade but prefers full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers clay, loam, sand, well-drained soils

Water needs: Low to medium

Maintenance: Low

6. Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata)

Native to South America, this nocturnally fragrant, long-tubed flower emits a sweet, intoxicating fragrance most pronounced at night. Its star-shaped flowers open during the late afternoon and evening hours, and different hybrids offer a splash of pinks, reds, whites, and lime green.

The striking, upward-facing flowers are not only visually captivating but also attract night-flying pollinators, like moths, enhancing the garden’s biodiversity. You can easily propagate the flower from seed in the garden or indoors. Remember to wear gloves when handling this plant, as it can be toxic to both humans and pets.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 3-10

Mature size: 1-3 feet

Duration: Annual (perennial in zones 10 to 11)

Fragrance: Sweet, jasmine-like scent

Bloom time: Summer to fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers moist, organically rich, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

7. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

Foamflower is a clump-forming, fast-spreading groundcover that grows well in the shade. Its semi-evergreen foliage features semi-glossy, heart-shaped leaves growing on a reddish-brown stem.

You need this plant if you want graceful, frothy spikes of small, starry flowers to illuminate your garden under the moon’s gentle glow. These tiny pink flowers burst forth in late spring and gradually change to white over a six-week bloom period.

Growth habit: Flower, groundcover

USDA hardiness zone: 3-8

Mature size: Up to 1 foot

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: None

Bloom time: Late spring to fall

Sunlight needs: Dappled to full shade

Soil preferences: Prefers moist, hummus-rich, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

8. Four o’clock (Mirabilis jalapa)

Commonly known as the marvel of Peru, four o’clock blooms in the late afternoon and closes its petals the following morning. The tiny, trumpet-shaped flowers that can be red, pink, white, yellow, purple, or even variegated are attractive to hummingbirds and emit a delicate, sweet, honeysuckle-like scent.

They might smell sweet, but that doesn’t mean they’re candy – all parts of the plants are poisonous if ingested. Also, while this flowering plant typically enjoys good resistance to major insect pests and diseases, it can be susceptible to aphids and slugs.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 9-11

Mature size: 2-3 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Sweet, honeysuckle-like scent

Bloom time: Summer to fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

9. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Thanks to its thick, glossy, dark green leaves and mesmerizing white blossoms, gardenia is a garden gem that adds an element of elegance and sophistication to any night garden. With waxy, white petals shining in the moonlight, these flowers release a strong, creamy fragrance that intensifies in the evening and during the night, attracting moths.

Caring for this timeless beauty in your garden may take a bit of effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Remember to plant the shrub where its roots won’t compete with other plants.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 7b-11

Mature size: 4-8 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Creamy, sweet, breezy, vanilla

Bloom time: Blooms throughout the year in warm climates, where temperatures don’t drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler climates, it blooms in late spring to early summer.

Sunlight needs: Indirect sunlight to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers acidic, moist, organically rich, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: High

10. Mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius)

From late spring to early summer, this deciduous shrub blooms an abundance of pristine, cup-shaped white flowers. These blossoms seem to shimmer under the moonlight, adding a touch of enchanting magic to your landscape. They emit an intoxicating orange-like fragrance at night that will make your evening strolls feel like paradise.

Mock orange thrives even with minimal care, but its stiff, twiggy branches may need regular pruning to help maintain the shrub’s shape.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 4-7

Mature size: 10-12 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Orange blossoms – sweet, citrusy scent

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

11. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

Native to South and North America, this stunning perennial vine is ideal for growing in warm regions. However, you can still plant it as an annual in colder states. It’s easy to grow and needs minimal care, but you must provide it with consistent moisture during its growing season.

Also known as tropical white morning glory, the moonflower has deep green foliage and pure white flowers bound to catch anyone’s attention. This night-blooming flower knows how to put on a show, too. In the early evening, the delicate flowers unfold from spiraled tubular buds like graceful ballerinas. Remember to show up early so you don’t miss the performance.

Growth habit: Vine

USDA hardiness zone: 9-12

Mature size: 10-15 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Subtle, floral scent

Bloom time: Midsummer to fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

12. Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)

A bushy evergreen shrub with arching branches and glossy green leaves, night-blooming jasmine can be trained to grow up a trellis, creating a beautiful attraction in any garden. Its delicate, tubular white flowers blossom in spring and are followed by small white berries.

This perennial shrub unveils its captivating scent primarily during the night, creating an enchanting and sensory experience. It also attracts nocturnal pollinators like moths, which adds a unique dimension to the garden’s ecosystem.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 9-11

Mature size: 8-10 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Sweet, musky scent

Bloom time: Spring to fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers fertile, organic, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

13. Night phlox (Zaluzianskya ovata)

With its petite size, fragrant blooms, and captivating beauty, this low-growing perennial is an ideal choice for those seeking to create a sensory haven under the moon’s gentle glow. Also called midnight candy, night phlox produces small, pinwheel-shaped flowers that release a delightful aroma of vanilla, almond, and honey in the evening.

These blossoms seem to shimmer in the moonlight, adding to the garden’s ethereal allure. Its petals are white with a dark maroon underside. Night phlox grows well in large containers and also can be sown in the ground.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 9-10

Mature size: Up to 1 foot

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Sweet, vanilla, almond, honey

Bloom time: Midsummer through early fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

14. Night-scented stock (Matthiola longipetala)

Give your moonlit landscape a dose of sweet and spicy perfume with the night-scented stock. As the sun sets, its small, star-shaped flowers release their exquisite scent, which reaches its peak intensity during the night – creating a sensory wonderland.

These dainty, whitish-lilac flowers grow atop gray-green leaves, creating the perfect pastel picture. The annual flower grows well in containers and adds pops of color and texture to floral arrangements. Its petite size, typically reaching about a foot or two in height, makes it easy to incorporate into home garden designs.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 2-10

Mature size: 1-2 feet

Duration: Annual

Fragrance: Sweet and spicy

Bloom time: Mid-spring through fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low

15. Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)

Also known as the night-blooming cereus, this breathtaking orchid cactus can grow up walls and trellises. Queen of the Night stands out for its spectacular, pure white flowers that unfurl under the cover of darkness, often reaching full bloom in the late evening. Better not miss it, though, as its flowers only last a night.

This epiphytic cactus has an alluring fragrance reminiscent of a sweet, exotic perfume that intensifies as the night progresses – creating a truly enchanting atmosphere in your night garden.

Growth habit: Cactus or succulent

USDA hardiness zone: 10-11

Mature size: Up to 10 feet tall

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Strong, sweet smell

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Sunlight needs: Full sun to indirect sun

Soil preferences: Prefers moist, organically rich, well-drained soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Medium

16. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)

Another ideal addition to moon gardens, tuberose is revered for its unique combination of beauty, fragrance, and ease of care. This perennial plant, known for its intoxicating scent, is well-suited for moon gardens across various climates.

Tuberose typically thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11, although it can be grown as an annual in cooler regions of North America. It may benefit from staking to support its tall, elegant flower spikes.

Growth habit: Succulent

USDA hardiness zone: 7-11

Mature size: 2-3 feet

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Heady scent of sweet honey

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained, loam soil

Water needs: Medium

Maintenance: Low to medium

Benefits of planting night-blooming flowers

Planting night-blooming flowers in your moon garden offers a wealth of compelling reasons:

• Harness the magic of the night: As the sun sets and the day’s chaos quiets, these flowers unfurl their petals, revealing their intricate, moon-kissed beauty. This unique experience offers a profound connection to the natural world and can help you rediscover the enchantment of the night.
• Create a sensory delight: Night flowers not only captivate with their visual allure but also engage the senses on a deeper level. Many of these flowering plants boast intoxicating fragrances that come alive at night, making your garden a sensory oasis.
• Attract nocturnal pollinators: Many of these plants attract night pollinators, such as moths and bats. By incorporating these flowers, you contribute to the health and biodiversity of your garden, fostering a more balanced and harmonious ecosystem.
• Illuminate moonlit gardens: The petals of night flowers often reflect moonlight, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow in your garden. These unique blooms not only thrive in the dark but also seem to glow in the moon’s gentle radiance, adding an otherworldly ambiance to your outdoor space.

FAQ about the best night-blooming plants

Can I mix night-blooming plants with daytime bloomers in my moon garden?

Yes, absolutely. Combining night-blooming plants with daytime bloomers like morning glory can create a beautiful and dynamic garden. Just ensure the moonlight-loving plants receive sufficient darkness during their blooming hours, and consider the compatibility of their care requirements with your daytime blooms.

Do night-blooming flowers require special care or maintenance?

While most of these annual and perennial plants are relatively low-maintenance, they do require some consideration. Adequate lighting for evening enjoyment, proper watering, and well-draining soil are essential. Additionally, they may need protection from daytime heat.

How can I design a moon garden for the best nighttime experience?

Designing a moon garden involves careful planning of plant placement, lighting, and hardscape elements. To create the best nighttime experience, consider incorporating reflective materials like light-colored stones or white flowers to enhance moonlight.

Use soft, warm lighting rather than harsh, bright lights, and provide comfortable seating or paths for nighttime strolls. It’s all about creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere that allows you to fully appreciate the magic of the night.

Hire a pro for your surreal garden

In an era where most people seldom sleep and the boundary between day and night seems to blur, moon gardens help celebrate the subtle magic of the night. You can enjoy sipping tea or take a leisurely stroll in your garden, surrounded by the enchanting aromas of moonlit blooms.

But choosing the best night-blooming plants for moon gardens is just the beginning. Maintaining your landscape will take a lot of work. And if it sounds overwhelming to you, why not hire a local landscaping pro to handle all your lawn care needs?

Main Photo Credit: piccolomondo | Pixabay