Imagine stepping into your garden at night and being greeted by the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Some plants don’t need the sun to shine—they come to life after sunset. These night-blooming plants add a touch of mystery, beauty, and fragrance to any outdoor space.
Whether you want a romantic moonlit garden or a peaceful nighttime retreat, these 10 stunning plants will transform your space when the stars come out.
1. Night-Blooming Jasmine
✔ Blooms: Late evening
✔ Fragrance: Sweet and strong
✔ Best For: Balconies, patios, and gardens
Night-Blooming Jasmine is one of the most fragrant night flowers. Its tiny, tubular white flowers release a heavenly scent that fills the air after dark.
📌 Tip: Plant near a window or seating area to enjoy its intoxicating aroma.
2. Moonflower
✔ Blooms: Dusk to dawn
✔ Fragrance: Light and sweet
✔ Best For: Trellises, fences, and containers
The Moonflower is a climbing vine with large, white blooms that open at night. These flowers reflect moonlight beautifully, creating a magical glow in the garden.
📌 Tip: Soak the seeds overnight before planting for faster germination.
3. Evening Primrose
✔ Blooms: Sunset to sunrise
✔ Fragrance: Mild and lemony
✔ Best For: Wildflower gardens and borders
Evening Primrose opens its yellow blooms at dusk, attracting moths and pollinators. This plant is also known for its medicinal properties and edible seeds.
📌 Tip: Thrives in poor soil and requires little maintenance.
4. Tuberose
✔ Blooms: Nighttime
✔ Fragrance: Rich and floral
✔ Best For: Perfume gardens and bouquets
The Tuberose is famous for its intensely sweet scent, often used in perfumes and essential oils. Its delicate white blooms add a touch of elegance to any night garden.
📌 Tip: Prefers warm, sunny locations for best growth.
5. Four O’Clock Flower
✔ Blooms: Late afternoon to night
✔ Fragrance: Mild and pleasant
✔ Best For: Garden beds and borders
The Four O’Clock Flower is a colorful night-blooming plant that comes in shades of pink, yellow, red, and white. These flowers open in the evening and close by morning.
📌 Tip: Can be grown from seeds or tubers and self-seeds easily.
6. Queen of the Night
✔ Blooms: Midnight to dawn
✔ Fragrance: Sweet and exotic
✔ Best For: Indoor pots and tropical gardens
The Queen of the Night is a rare cactus that blooms only at night and just once a year. Its large, white flowers are highly prized for their exotic fragrance.
📌 Tip: Keep in warm temperatures with indirect sunlight.
7. Night Gladiolus
✔ Blooms: Evening
✔ Fragrance: Spicy and clove-like
✔ Best For: Borders and cutting gardens
The Night Gladiolus produces pale yellow flowers that emit a spicy fragrance at night. It’s an excellent choice for moonlit gardens.
📌 Tip: Requires well-draining soil and moderate watering.
8. Chocolate Daisy
✔ Blooms: Late evening
✔ Fragrance: Smells like chocolate
✔ Best For: Wildflower gardens and meadows
The Chocolate Daisy is unique because its yellow flowers release a chocolate scent at night. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in dry conditions.
📌 Tip: Needs full sun and well-drained soil.
9. Angel’s Trumpet
✔ Blooms: Evening and night
✔ Fragrance: Strong and tropical
✔ Best For: Large containers and tropical gardens
The Angel’s Trumpet has huge, trumpet-shaped flowers that release a heavenly scent at night. However, it’s toxic if ingested, so keep it away from pets and children.
📌 Tip: Needs regular watering and protection from frost.
10. Datura
✔ Blooms: Nighttime
✔ Fragrance: Sweet and intoxicating
✔ Best For: Tropical and ornamental gardens
Datura, also called Devil’s Trumpet, has large, trumpet-shaped flowers that open at night. It’s often confused with Angel’s Trumpet, but its flowers face upwards.
📌 Tip: Grows best in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Create Your Own Night Garden
A night-blooming garden adds beauty, fragrance, and a touch of magic to any space. By planting these 10 stunning flowers, you can enjoy a peaceful, aromatic retreat after sunset.
Want to learn more? Visit Better Homes & Gardens or The Spruce for expert gardening tips.
FAQs About Night-Blooming Plants
Why do some flowers only bloom at night?
Night-blooming plants attract nighttime pollinators like moths and bats, helping them reproduce efficiently.
Can I grow night-blooming flowers indoors?
Yes! Plants like Queen of the Night and Tuberose grow well in pots with proper care.
Do night-blooming plants need sunlight?
Yes, most require at least 6 hours of daylight to bloom properly at night.
What is the most fragrant night-blooming flower?
Night-Blooming Jasmine and Tuberose are among the strongest-smelling night flowers.
How do I make my night garden more attractive?
Use white flowers, fragrant plants, and soft lighting to create a beautiful moon garden.
