Some gardens come alive when the sun goes down. Night blooming flowers have a way of turning an ordinary yard into something special, filling the air with fragrance and creating a peaceful, glowing atmosphere. If you want to build a space that thrives after dark, adding these plants is the way to go.
Moonflower: The Star of the Night
When people think of night blooming flowers, moonflowers are usually the first thing to pop into their heads. These big, snowy white flowers open up as the sun dips below the horizon and stay that way until morning. They have a potent, but pleasant, scent that drifts through the air and attracts nighttime pollinators like moths. If you’re looking for something low-maintenance, moonflowers are a safe bet. Just give them a spot with plenty of sun during the day, and they’ll reward you with their nightly show.
Evening Primrose: Tough and Beautiful
Another staple flower for your moon garden would be the evening primrose. They have yellow flowers which bloom as dusk falls and are a highlight among the rest of your plants. These plants are resilient, making them a great option if you want something that can handle different conditions. One thing to note is that these plants spread like wildfire, so if you’re working with a larger area, they can fill in empty spaces with a lot less work. Not only do they look beautiful, they also attract pollinators, bringing in moths and even some night-feeding bees. If you’re like these flowers, not available during the day, but still want to get some new additions for your night garden, we got you covered. At Dragonetti Florist & Garden Center, we deliver flowers the same day you order them, so you can start working on your night garden ASAP.
Night-Blooming Jasmine: One of the Best Scents
Some plants look nice, and some smell nice, the night-blooming jasmine does both. Once the sun goes down, its small white flowers release a scent that can travel across the yard. If you want a garden that’s as much about the experience as it is about the look, this is a plant to consider. It grows best in warm climates but can thrive in pots if you need to bring it inside during colder months. Just be sure to give it enough space to spread out because it can get a bit wild if left unchecked.
Four O’Clocks: The Colorful Bunch
If you want something different from the common white or pale yellow tones of night blooming flowers, then four o’clocks might be what you’re looking for. These flowers come in shades of pink, red, yellow, and white, often with speckled patterns. Unlike the previous flowers mentioned, these guys start opening up a lot earlier, starting late in the afternoon and staying open well into the night. They’re easy to grow and don’t need much care beyond regular watering. If you want some variety for your night garden, then adding a few of these could add some much needed bursts of colors.
Tuberose: The Long-Lasting Fragrance
If scent is what you’re after, tuberose is hard to beat. Don’t let its small, delicate appearance fool you, these small flowers can deliver a very powerful fragrance that will stay throughout the night. The scent is often used in perfumes, but having the real thing in your garden takes it to another level. These guys do well in warm, sunny locations and can be planted in pots or garden beds. Since they can last up to several weeks, they offer a nice, consistent source of beauty and fragrance.
Brahma Kamal: A Rare Beauty
If you’re looking for something that’s really one-of-a-kind, then the Brahma Kamal is the way to go. This rare flower blooms just once a year, usually after midnight, making it mysterious and rare in the world of plants. Its big, pale blooms have a waxy texture and give off a scent that’s very subtle. You should know that with this special flower, you need to give it a bit more attention than some of the others on this list, but the reward is definitely worth it.
Adding Night Blooming Flowers to Your Garden
If you're in Brooklyn and you want to get started on your moon garden, you have to make sure you pick durable flowers that can handle the drastic seasonal changes.
They Still Need Light and Water
Even though these flowers are most beautiful at night, they still need sunlight. So during the day, make sure to pick a spot that gets plenty of light. Watering regularly and providing well-draining soil are extra important, especially with the changes in rain or humidity in the summer.
Moonflowers, evening primrose, and night-blooming jasmine thrive here, but you might need to bring your jasmines indoors during the cold winters. Moon gardens are typically low maintenance, so regular watering, occasional pruning, and some protection from harsh winter winds is all you need.
Mix and Match
A moon garden doesn’t need to be complicated. You just have to make sure that the flowers you pick fit the aesthetic you’re going for, and that you take proper care of them. If you’re going for a layered look, mix tall plants like night-blooming jasmine with shorter ones like four o’clocks to create depth.
Some Extra Touches
For an extra glow, don’t only think about the flowers, think about what to put around them. White stones, silver garden decor, or even a small water feature can help capture and amplify the moonlight. With the right setup, your outdoor space can become a place you look forward to enjoying long after the sun has set.
Why Night Blooming Flowers Are Worth It
Gardens don’t have to be just a daytime thing. Adding plants that bloom at night changes the way you experience your outdoor space. From the scent of night-blooming jasmine filling the air to the sight of moonflowers opening as the stars come out, these flowers bring something special. They attract nighttime pollinators, add to the beauty of your yard, and create a peaceful environment to relax in. If you’re looking to make your evenings a little more magical by getting some night blooming flowers, check out our garden section where we offer plenty of these unique flowers.