 | The moon has always had its admirers, but none are more dedicated than night blooming flowers. Since before Copernicus watched the movement of the heavens, certain plants have chosen nighttime as their moment to open up and proclaim their presence to the world. These mysterious beauties have rejected the conventional method of attracting pollinators through the use of bright colors. They have opted for bright white petals to reflect the moon’s illumination, acting as a beacon to night flying insects, much like a flame or a light bulb does in the evening. When moonlight is low, these night tempters rely on their intense perfume to draw their pollinators, luring them with the fragrant promise of sweet nectar.
As most gardeners know, when the sun goes down, the ability to enjoy the fruits of our labors diminishes as well. Nighttime prevents our seeing the vibrant colors and delicate shapes of our most favorite plants. However, with the addition of a night blooming garden, the enjoyment will not end when the sun goes down.
Imagine for a moment, stepping outside on a warm summer evening and experiencing wave upon wave of sweet honey perfume, carried on a gentle night breeze. You look out over your property and see the subtle glow of hundreds of white blossoms of various shapes and sizes, as they reflect the beautiful radiance of the moonlight. Such a vision would persuade even the hardest heart to step back into childhood, remembering stories of fairies and magic lands, and in the heart of the observer, those stories would suddenly seem real.
To create a night blooming garden that will set your imagination free, here are a few extraordinary plants you might want to consider:
Moonflower (Ipomea alba): Related to its sunshine loving cousin, the morning glory, this giant flowered vine invites the evening wanderer to stop and enjoy the view. With heart shaped leaves and blossoms a staggering seven inches across, this lovely fragrant vine is sure to be a show stopper. These beauties remain open all night, closing only with the advent of the dawn. For the early bird, however, a cloudy morning can extend the show, offering a momentary continuation of the evening’s glory. The moonflower grows quickly from seed, so pick up a package and prepare to be blown away.
Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris): Sometimes great things come in simple packages, and so is the case with this South American native. What this simple plant lacks in beauty, it more than makes up for in the overwhelming power of its honey sweet fragrance. The tiny tubular white flowers form large clusters on the plant and send forth their pleasurable aroma from Summer straight into fall. To minimize the monotony of this interesting plant’s leaves, try planting a moonflower or two at its base. Annual. Full sun.
Night-scented Stock (Matthiola): Simplicity is this plant’s middle name, but do not let its frail appearance fool you. Growing up to a meager six inches, it is a powerhouse of perfume, making up for its small stature with its fantastic fragrance. This little flower will have the neighbors wondering where the heavenly fragrance is coming from. They will never guess that it is emanating from this pale plant. Plant night-scented stock in every garden bed to enjoy its fragrance wherever you are. Annual. Full sun.
Garden Heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis): Not to be confused with Heliotropum, this perennial herb really packs a punch when it blooms. Although the leaves stay relatively close to the ground, the flower stems of this delicate plant reach four feet tall, allowing its heady scent to be picked up by the wind, carrying it throughout the neighborhood. Plant this herb where its blooms will be able to be seen. Zones 4-10. Full sun.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera): Sporting a sunny yellow blossom, the evening primrose will dazzle even the starkest critic with the power of its pleasing aroma. The entire plant is edible, but don’t be too hasty to chow down. Allow this native of North America to sing its song of sweet scent before taking advantage of its other appetizing appeal. Zones 4-8. Full sun to part shade.
Four O’clock (Mirabilis): The name explains this peculiar plant’s habit of starting its bloom after four o’clock in the afternoon. Prepare yourself for a brilliant array of colors from this night bloomer. Offering shades of yellow, pinks, reds, and white, this one to two foot annual will gladly grow in areas where other flowers are reluctant to flourish. They are so easy to grow, there is little excuse to exclude them in your garden. And when the sun begins to set, the rich fragrance of four o’clocks will be carried on the breeze, offering a peaceful break from the battles of the day. Zones 7-11. Grow as an annual in colder regions. Full sun to part shade.
Midnight Candy (Zaluzianskya capensis and ovata): This lovely maiden hails from the hill country of South Africa. In the summer daylight hours, this compact plant is covered in deep maroon buds, but the true show does not commence until the sun begins to set. The tiny maroon buds open, revealing pure white flowers with heart shaped petals. Growing to a modest height of 2 feet, this delicate bloomer rewards the night with waves of its deliciously heady fragrance. One plant can fill the warm summer evening with its sweetness. No other plant of this size can claim such levels of intoxicating perfume. Zones 6-10. Full sun to part shade.
Night-Blooming Cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum): Like the mythological Phoenix who arose reborn from the ashes of its funeral pyre, the incredible flowers of the night blooming Cereus emerge in midsummer from an apparently lifeless cactus plant to grace the world for a single evening with its fragrance and beauty. So exquisite is its perfume and so stunning are its blooms that it has been bestowed the title ‘Queen of the Night’. No other blossom has ever merited more admiration than this lovely specimen. It is worthy of a place of honor amongst the most illustrious evening blooming flowers. Zone 11. Over winter indoors in colder climes. Full sun.
Night Blooming Jasmine (Solanaceae): This list would not be complete without mentioning the night blooming jasmine. Sometimes listed as the night blooming jessamine, this rambling shrub can form a mound up to 12 feet tall. Although the flowers are not as ostentatious as the night blooming cereus, its heavenly fragrance will rival even the most striking scent of the other night bloomers. It is sure to overcome your doubts by winning you over with its bouquet. Zones 8-10. Over-winter indoors in colder climates. Full sun to part shade.
No other garden will offer as much comfort to the soul and joy to the heart as this sweetly scented collection. Step into the romance of childhood by planting a night blooming garden, and see if you do not hear the tinkle of fairy laughter carried on a warm evening breeze.
|  |
|
