17 Night Blooming Flowers to Create a Magical Moon Garden : The Hearty Soul

Flowers are one of the most popular elements of Spring. They blossom into a magical display of cheery colors, patterns, and shapes. Not to mention their sweet aroma. While most people enjoy flowers during the day, some flowers are perfect to enjoy by moonlight. As such, people are planting a moon garden, creating an enchanting moonlit effect. Here are 17 examples of ideal nighttime flowers.

1. Night Blooming Flowers are Perfect for Moon Gardens

It’s important to note that a moon garden primarily made of white flowers will be the most visible because they reflect the moonlight and “pop out” of the darkness. However, some colorful flowers are more prone to opening at night, as the temperature cools. For example, the chocolate daisy is a little yellow flower that releases a sweet “chocolate-like” scent in the mornings and at night. And recedes in the morning as the temperature rises.

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2. Evening Primrose

The Evening Primrose is another great flower for a moon garden because, as its name suggests, it blossoms at night. The evening primrose grows in several colors, from yellow to pink to red. Interestingly, this flower has also been used in holistic medicine for relieving headaches, among other ailments.

3. Four O’Clock plant

Like the Evening Primrose, the Four O’Clock plant blooms toward the end of the day, typically around 4 PM. And like the Evening Primrose, it’s a great addition to a moon garden because it blooms through the night releasing a sweet scent. Additionally, the flower grows in bright colors or marbled patterns, adding dimension to the moon garden.

4. Night Blooming Water Lillies

The Night Blooming Water Lily is another colorful flower ideal for a moon garden. However, this flower will require a medium to large pond because the leaves spread out as they grow. Note that the pond water should be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the best climate for the flower. Although the flowers are delicate, they release a lovely scent at night and add color and depth to a primarily white-flowered moon garden.

5. Night Gladiolus

It’s important to note that this beautiful flower can be toxic to pets but for a pet-free home, the Night Gladiolus is a beautiful addition to a moon garden. It also blooms at night, ranging from pale yellow to dark yellow to green-yellow. Unlike other listed flowers, the Night Gladiolus releases a spicy scent that fragrances the air and tickles the senses. It grows between 3-4 feet tall but can take a lot of water and requires full sun.

6. Japanese Wisteria

Wisteria is another popular flower for a moon garden because it has a powerful, sweet, and floral scent that fills the air, bringing peace to the atmosphere. The lush wisteria grows easily and on a vine so it doesn’t take long to fill an area of a garden.

7. Dragon Fruit Flower

The Dragon Fruit Flower takes a few years to bloom, but when it does, the magic it adds to a moon garden is inexplicable. The large blossoms are visually stunning and release a strong sweet scent that enhances a stroll or restful sit in the moonlight.

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8. White flowers for a Moon Garden

The Polyanthus Lily is a white flower that grows in clusters on grass-like stalks. It can be up to 4 feet tall and has a strong floral aroma. It’s known to enjoy the hot afternoon sun but requires consistently moist and well-draining soil.

9. Night Blooming Jasmine

One of the most notable and fragrant flowers in the world is the Jasmine flower. From tea to perfume, its scent is popular for numerous uses, including stunningly appearing in a moon garden. The Night Blooming Jasmine, as its name implies, blooms at night and releases scent into the air all night. Additionally, its white appearance reflects the moonlight, illuminating the garden and heightening the atmosphere.

10. Flowering Tobacco

Flowering Tobacco quickly grows and blossoms at night. It grows in numerous colors but white is seemingly the most popular among gardeners because it “glows“. The aroma is strong and said to be reminiscent of the Jasmine flower.

11. Queen of the Night

The large blossomed flower known as the Queen of the Night, provides a stunning display. Sadly, it only blossoms for a few hours each year and always at night. However, if you’re lucky enough to catch it blossoming, it’s a tremendously magical moment as the flower symbolizes prosperity and transformation or rebirth.

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12. Casa Blanca Lily for a Moon Garden

The fragrant midsummer to early fall blooms are a wonderful addition to a moon garden because they add dimension all season long and have 8 flowers per stem.

13. Night Phlox

This flower, said to originate from South Africa is another great addition to a night garden because it blooms at night and has a sweet floral scent. Although white is a popular choice for this flower, it does grow in ranges of purple to maroon.

14. Cape Jasmine

Cape Jasmine, also called Gardenia is native to Asia and has a sweet floral scent. Its bright white color also “glows” in the moonlight making it a fragrant and aesthetically pleasing addition to any moon garden.

15. Datura for Moon Gardens

These trumpet-shaped flowers are delicate and fragrant. They range in soft shades of pink, yellow, and purple. At the end of a bloom season, these flowers deemed the “thornapple” produce a spiky but edible fruit.

16. Angel’s Trumpet

The Angel’s trumpet is another white flower, popular for its shape and scent. The bulbs are subject to frostbite so the best time to plant them is early to mid-Spring. They are related to Datura and have a similar look and feel.

17. Mock Orange for a Moon Garden

This sweet-smelling white blossom has a rich nectar that’s “intoxicating” and successfully attracts numerous pollinators. Mock Orange’s name comes from its appearance, imitating the Orange Blossom. The tiny but fragrant blossom quickly grows, up to 2 feet a year, and is best planted in early Fall but can be planted in Spring.

Pets and Moon Gardens

A moon garden can be a wonderful place after a long day. It can renew the spirit, refresh the senses, and provide a calming place to regroup. Sadly, some flowers are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach of pets and small children. Here are a few to avoid planting if the moon garden isn’t in a secluded area:

• Flowering Tobacco
• Flowers from the Lily Family
• Night Gladiolus
• Daffodil
• Tulip
• Hyacinth
• Rhododendron
• Crocus
• Angel’s Trumpet
• Datura
• Chrysanthemum- Can be used in herbal tea, toxic to pets
• Note that some fertilizers can be harmful to pets as well.

Fortunately, plenty of fragrant and non-toxic flowers bloom at night and help create the perfect moon garden, an oasis to help one unwind. Moreover, some are edible like the Evening Primrose, Lilac, Rose, or Jasmine. However, it’s important to note that plants that imitate jasmine, like the Flowering Tobacco, are toxic so it’s best to double-check the variety before adding the flower to a meal or beverage.

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