The night sky holds a secret world of nocturnal beauty. Under the moon’s gentle glow there are beautiful flowers that bloom at night. These enchanting botanical gems unfurl their petals and release magnetic aromas only after dusk. Think silvery-white foliage that reflects the moonlight and blooms that are tucked away until twilight.
Some flowers reserve their magic for the night. Only opening once darkness falls, and closing again as the sun rises. There are also plants that are not fragrant during the day but at night produce tremendous and powerful scents. From tropical species to humble garden favorites, here is our guide to the top 10 flowers that bloom at night. Let’s explore their unique characteristics and the magic they bring to moonlit gardens.
10 Flowers That Bloom at Night
The Moonflower
Ipomoea alba or moonflowers are the nighttime sister to the beautiful morning glory. Only these delicate blooms come alive under the evening stars. The creamy white blooms open in the evening and only stay in bloom at night.
As a tropical flower, it adores bright light and heat, meaning the indoor home environment is generally not conducive to good flowering. Their delicate shapes make them truly stunning.
Night Phlox
The next nocturnal flower that I would like to mention is a flower that’s native to my home country, South Africa. Found in Lesotho, the Night phlox (Zaluzianskya ovata) is a captivating flowering plant that reminds me of small daisies. The tiny flowers release a sweet, honey-like fragrance after the sun goes down.
The Gardenia
What would a flower blog be without a feature from the beloved Gardenia. Gardenia jasminoides are night-blooming flowers well-known and well-loved for their intoxicating fragrance. I would describe them as the scent of summer. Not only are they strikingly beautiful with their white petals sitting perfectly upon a bed of dark-green foliage. But even before seeing a gardenia, the fragrance will immediately compel you to go and look for the flower.
This plant favors warm evenings and even emits more fragrance at night. Gardenias love their moist soil and work overtime to attract nighttime pollinators. Hence their scent, which seduces insects and humans alike.
Lady of the Night
Some flowers are better left dancing in the moonlight, and the lady of the night blossoms are no exception. Night-blooming jasmine or Cestrum nocturnum is a tropical evergreen shrub that is kind of inconspicuous. During the day, they aren’t really noticeable, but at night the fragrance is so strong that it can entice you out of the house and into the garden.
Four O’Clock Alba
True to its name, the four o’clock alba (Mirabilis jalapa) starts unfolding its petals in the late afternoon. This bushy perennial plant showcases large trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters. It releases a citrusy fragrance in the evening and closes in the morning.
Evening Primrose
One of the things that we love about the evening primrose (Oenothera) is that these flowers open quickly in the evening. You can sit outside with a sundower and watch them come to life right before your eyes. It begins its show just as the sun starts to set and continues into the late evening.
It’s pretty, lemon-scented yellow flowers also attract plenty of pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and moths will explore your garden and bring your
Casa Blanca Lily
For a magnificent flower that blooms at night, look no further than the Casa Blanca lily (lilium ‘Casa Blanca’). It’s one of those rare night-bloomers that does just as well in a garden setting as in a custom bouquet arrangement. Like other lilies, its flowers are toxic to pets, so make sure to keep them out of reach of your furry friends.
Nocturnum Orchid
Those living in a wet, tropical climate can enjoy the beauty of the aptly named Nocturnum orchid (Epidendrum nocturnum). This plant is known for its long, dark-green foliage and ethereal white blossoms that boast an unusual shape. However, its enchanting fragrance is what truly sets this night-blooming flower apart. The scent is often described as a blend of fruit notes such as of strawberry or raspberry.
Tumberose
It’s no surprise that candle and perfume brands have bottled this gorgeous scent. The tuberose (aka Agave amica) is a mid-summer bloomer that loves its sun. It has a smell that sits at the intersection of sweet and spicy. With their intense fragrance and big, beautiful blooms that gleam white in the moonlight, you’ll definitely want to be nearby whenever they open each night.
The blooms’ star shape makes them great for indoor arrangements, especially when properly color graded in a bouquet. I love having blush flowers with white flowers, but then also having touches of light green and a more pigmented pink.
The Amazon Water Lily
The Amazon water lily (Victoria amazonica) is one of our all-time favorite flowers that bloom at night. Not only because of its smell that is like an overripe pineapple, but because of its enchanting pollination story. Beetles come at night and are held inside the flower during the day. Only to be released during the night time. It is a fascinating example of the intricate relationship between plants and their pollinators.
One of The Rarest Flowers That Bloom at Night
The “Night-blooming Cereus,” or scientifically known as Epiphyllum oxypetalum, is often referred to as the “Queen of the Night.” This rarely seen, reclusive rock star flower has the ability to gather fans from remote locations to celebrate its one-night a year appearance.
This is a very extraordinary performance, as expected from plants that consume all reproductive energy in a short amount of time. The flowers are large, shining white like a full moon. Adding to its allure is the most beautiful aroma which emits from its trumpet-like flowers. It is native to Sri Lanka but has been discovered in various countries, including Latin America, China, Japan, and India.
The Magic of Flowers That Bloom at Night
We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering the enchanting world of flowers that bloom at night. Why not share this magic with friends and family, no matter where they are in the world?
Sending flowers internationally is a thoughtful way to brighten someone’s evening and make their moments extra special. From rare nocturnal blooms to personalized bouquets, you can create a truly unforgettable gift.
Enjoying nature’s bounties under the sun is classic fun, but don’t underestimate the beauty of a nighttime bloom. There are plenty of alluring flowers that thrive at night, their silvery-white hues and sweet fragrances filter throughout moonlit gardens.
Thank you for exploring Flowers That Bloom at Night! Ready to Send a Thoughtful Surprise?
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Born and raised in her beloved mother city Cape Town, Amy-Paige Cox is a writer, poet and plant mom. A hopeful romantic with a penchant for adventure, she loves exploring the world, all the while documenting her ever-changing perspectives with pen and paper.