Skip to Content

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

15 Night-Blooming Flowers for the Dreamiest Moon Garden

Summer strolls are even more magical by moonlight.

By Molly Miller
moonflower, giant whitepinterest icon
Burpee

If you feel like you're missing out on the gorgeous blooming flowers in your garden due to oppressive heat or a busy work schedule, consider planting flowers that bloom at night. Moon gardens, as they are commonly known, consist of flowering plants that bloom or become more fragrant from late afternoon into the night. What makes these types of gardens so enchanting is their glowy appearance; moonlight reflects off the silvery leaves and petals, making the flowers appear to be lit from within.

Additional elements like a water fountain, pathway lights, and wind chimes add to the magical experience of walking through a moon garden. Water features not only add a gentle background sound but also amplify the moonlight by reflecting it. Soft lighting creates a pleasant ambiance without detracting from the spectacular luminescent blooms.

Of course, you can intermingle night-blooming and night-scented flowers with all-day bloomers to enjoy colorful flowers anytime. Companion plants like roses, peonies, and hydrangeas offer vibrant color in the daylight and stand out at night due to their feathery, light-colored petals.

In addition to beauty, moon gardens bring many other benefits to your yard. The night-blooming flowers' scents and reflective petals attract nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats, reducing insects and helping all your plants thrive. Moon gardens also provide an enchanting backdrop for outdoor summer parties. Guests won’t be able to resist strolling through fragrant jasmine, dazzling phlox, and silvery lamb’s ear.

Read on to see which flowers bloom at night so you can plant and grow the moon garden of your dreams.

1

Burpee Moonflower

Moonflower
1

Burpee Moonflower

$5 at burpee.com
Credit: Burpee

As the name suggests, moonflower, or moon vine, is a night-blooming morning glory that opens in the evening and stays full until dew hits in the morning. Its bright white flower makes it a striking, easy-to-spot addition to a night garden.

2

Burpee Four O'Clock

Four O'Clock
2

Burpee Four O'Clock

Credit: Burpee

Four O'Clocks, as they are aptly named, bloom in the late afternoon and close up again in the early morning. These fragrant evening bloomers attract hummingbirds and bees as well as nighttime pollinators like fireflies. They come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, purple, red, and white. Make sure you have a large plot in your garden to accommodate this fast-growing, bushy plant.

3

Hirt's Gardens Night Blooming Jasmine

Night Blooming Jasmine
3

Hirt's Gardens Night Blooming Jasmine

Credit: Amazon

With its heady, floral scent and delicate white tubular flowers, jasmine is a pollinator's dream. This tropical plant opens up at night, releasing its sweet aroma. Plant it near your patio or deck so you can fully enjoy jasmine's lovely perfume. Keep in mind this plant is toxic to plants and animals.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4

John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds Midnight Candy Night Phlox

Midnight Candy Night Phlox
4

John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds Midnight Candy Night Phlox

Credit: John Scheeper's Kitchen Garden Seeds

These sweet pinwheel-shaped flowers give off the most delicious scent of vanilla and honey after the sun sets. They're a perfect companion to other night-blooming flowers like sweet alyssum and evening-scented stock. This delicate annual will bloom from summer through fall.

5

TN Nursery Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose
5

TN Nursery Evening Primrose

Credit: TN Nursery

Plant primrose with care—this pretty perennial self-seeds, creating sprawling colonies that can quickly take over your yard. However, if proper precautions are taken, you can enjoy its delicate cup-shaped blossom without worry when they open up each night. Pollinators like moths and bats won't be able to resist the sweet, delicate fragrance that becomes stronger at nightfall.

6

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum
6

Sweet Alyssum

Credit: Select Seeds Seeds & Plants

Mounds of white sweet alyssum reflect moonlight beautifully, making them appear to glow. Plant this quick-growing ground cover in abundance for maximum effect. It makes an excellent border plant layered in front of bright yellow or pink roses.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Logee's Plants for Home and Garden Angel’s Trumpet

Angel’s Trumpet
7

Logee's Plants for Home and Garden Angel’s Trumpet

Credit: Logee's Plants for Home and Garden

Especially fragrant at night with pure white flowers, angel's trumpet is naturally suited for a moon garden. The horn-shaped flowers give off a very sweet scent similar to honeysuckle and dangle delicately from the shrubby plant for a whimsical effect. Be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets.

8

Bell Nursery Impatiens

Impatiens
8

Bell Nursery Impatiens

Credit: The Home Depot

If you’re looking for a super-saturated flower to catch your eye while taking an evening garden stroll, impatiens deliver. Create a striking, richly colored display by mass planting impatiens in pots or as bushy backfill against a fence. These showy flowers bring tons of color to your garden, day and night.

9

Willard & May Casa Blanca Lilies

Casa Blanca Lilies
9

Willard & May Casa Blanca Lilies

Now 13% Off
Credit: Amazon

For a truly showstopping addition to your moon garden, look no further than the Casa Blanca lily. With its creamy white flowers and spiked foliage, not to mention the classic tropical scent, this dreamy lily is a treat for the eyes and nose.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10

The Southern Bulb Co. Tuberose

Tuberose
10

The Southern Bulb Co. Tuberose

Credit: The Southern Bulb Co.

Beloved for their strong, sweet floral scent, dainty white tuberose flowers grow up to four feet tall on their stalks. The star-shaped blooms and stark white petals make them a striking choice for a night garden.

11

Gurnery's Seed and Nursery Co. Abyssinian Gladiolus

Abyssinian Gladiolus
11

Gurnery's Seed and Nursery Co. Abyssinian Gladiolus

Now 30% Off
Credit: Gardens Alive!

This gladiolus variety smells most potent after dusk. Its spikey yellow or white blossoms and slender stem give it a wildflower-like appearance, growing to about two feet tall.

12

The Tree Center Plant Supply Co. Amethyst Falls Wisteria

Amethyst Falls Wisteria
12

The Tree Center Plant Supply Co. Amethyst Falls Wisteria

Now 17% Off
Credit: Kerstin Layer

With attentive care, this fast-spreading plant can be controlled so that its enchanting lilac-colored blooms flourish day and night. When contained to an arbor or trellis, wisteria’s fragrant and brightly colored tendrils stand out against the darkness and appear to float in the night.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Rare Roots Lamb's Ear

Lamb's Ear
13

Rare Roots Lamb's Ear

Now 24% Off
Credit: Rare Roots

Known for its supremely touchable, soft, fuzzy foliage and silvery blue-green color, lamb’s ear gleams in the moonlight. It’s very easy to grow and loves full sun and dry soil. Just beware that this aggressive spreader can quickly overtake your garden bed if you don't prune it back.

14

Heuchera

heuchera shade perennials backyard garden
Getty Images

Commonly referred to as coral bells, heuchera aren't strictly night bloomers, but they make excellent companion border plants in your moon garden. Their easygoing nature allows them to grow in bright sun or shade, while their vibrant foliage and airy stems make them easily visible in the dark.

BUY NOW $29, gardengoodsdirect.com

15

TN Nursery Sweet Bay Magnolia

Sweet Bay Magnolia
15

TN Nursery Sweet Bay Magnolia

Credit: TN Nursery

One of the most recognizable southern flowers, magnolia trees produce gigantic, fragrant flowers that dreamily reflect moonlight. Their creamy petals look like twinkle lights scattered throughout the tree. Keep in mind that magnolia trees can grow up to 80 feet tall, so plan accordingly before planting.

Watch Next
 
preview for Dream Rentals

Spring Gardening

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices