A Guide to Flowers that Bloom at Night
Night-blooming flowers are often fragrant, delicate, and beautiful in their own right, offering a unique charm that contrasts with their daytime counterparts. They have evolved to open their blossoms after sunset, making them a perfect addition to any garden that can be appreciated during evening hours. Here’s a Lover Hong Kong florist guide to some popular flowers that bloom at night.
1. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
Bloom Time: Dusk to dawn
Appearance: Large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers
Fragrance: Sweet and intoxicating
Description: The moonflower is a striking plant that blooms in the evening and remains open until morning. It is closely related to the morning glory but thrives at night. With its white flowers and pleasant fragrance, it creates a magical atmosphere. Ideal for trellises or fences, it grows quickly in sunny spots and produces blooms that are especially stunning under the moonlight.
2. Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
Bloom Time: Evening to early morning
Appearance: Small, tubular white or yellow-green flowers
Fragrance: Strong, heady scent
Description: Night-blooming jasmine is known for its powerful fragrance, which can be quite overwhelming but delightful in the right setting. The flowers are small and often go unnoticed in daylight, but when they bloom at night, they fill the air with a distinctive perfume. Plant it near a window or garden path for the best olfactory experience.
3. Four O'Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
Bloom Time: Late afternoon to dusk
Appearance: Trumpet-shaped flowers, often in bright pink, red, yellow, or white
Fragrance: Light and pleasant
Description: As the name suggests, four o'clocks open in the late afternoon and continue blooming well into the night. These flowers are easy to grow and can tolerate various soil conditions. They are available in many vibrant colours and often have a light scent, making them a lovely addition to evening gardens.
4. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Bloom Time: Late afternoon to evening
Appearance: Yellow, four-petalled flowers
Fragrance: Mild, citrusy scent
Description: The evening primrose is known for its bright yellow flowers that unfurl in the evening and close by morning. This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun, and its cheerful yellow flowers add a touch of brightness to any night garden. It's also known for attracting moths, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
5. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
Bloom Time: Late evening to early morning
Appearance: Tall spikes of white, waxy flowers
Fragrance: Strong, sweet scent
Description: Tuberose is famous for its intoxicating fragrance, often used in perfumes. The flowers bloom at night and produce a strong, sweet scent that can fill an entire garden. While the plant is often grown for its fragrance, the white, tubular flowers also provide a graceful presence in any night garden.
6. Night Phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis)
Bloom Time: Evening to early morning
Appearance: Small, star-shaped flowers
Fragrance: Sweet, vanilla-like scent
Description: Night phlox, also known as the 'midnight candy,' opens at night, emitting a sweet scent that can fill the air. The flowers are star-shaped and often white or purple. This low-maintenance plant thrives in sunny spots and will bloom abundantly throughout summer, making it a fantastic addition to any garden that comes to life after dusk.
7. Datura (Datura spp.)
Bloom Time: Evening to night
Appearance: Large, trumpet-shaped flowers
Fragrance: Spicy-sweet, strong scent
Description: Datura flowers are incredibly large and showy, with a wide range of colours from white to purple. These flowers bloom in the evening and have a potent fragrance that’s both spicy and sweet. Datura is best suited to warm climates and can be a dramatic addition to a night garden. However, it's important to note that Datura is toxic if ingested, so it should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
8. Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
Bloom Time: Evening to early morning
Appearance: Large, trumpet-shaped flowers
Fragrance: Sweet, pleasant scent
Description: Angel’s trumpet is a dramatic plant, known for its large, pendulous flowers that bloom at night. It has a sweet, fragrant scent that becomes more intense in the evening. It’s a tropical plant that does well in warm climates and makes a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden.
9. Sundrop (Calylophus serrulatus)
Bloom Time: Evening to night
Appearance: Bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers
Fragrance: Light, fresh scent
Description: Sundrop flowers are a wonderful addition to a night garden, as their cheerful yellow blossoms open in the evening. They have a lovely, subtle fragrance and are perfect for adding a burst of colour to your garden after dark. They’re easy to grow in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
10. Cereus (Cereus spp.)
Bloom Time: Night, usually for a single night
Appearance: Large, white or pink blooms
Fragrance: Sweet, floral scent
Description: The cereus, often called the “queen of the night,” is a type of cactus that blooms only at night and for a very short period—sometimes only for one night. The flowers are large and fragrant, with a sweet, floral scent that can be quite powerful. It is a slow-growing cactus but a very rewarding one when it finally blooms.
Tips for Growing Night-Blooming Flowers:
Plant in the right spot: Most night-blooming flowers prefer full sun during the day but thrive in partial shade at night. Ensure your garden is well-lit in the evening to enjoy the full beauty of the blooms.
Add fragrance: Many night-blooming flowers have a delightful scent, so consider placing them near windows, patios, or walkways to enjoy their aroma.
Watering and maintenance: Night-blooming flowers tend to be low-maintenance, but ensure they receive adequate water during dry spells. Many are drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering will keep them healthy.
Pest control: Like any other plant, night-blooming flowers can attract pests, so keep an eye out for aphids or caterpillars and treat them naturally if needed.
Night-blooming flowers are perfect for gardeners who want to enjoy their plants at all hours of the day. Whether you're drawn to their striking looks or their alluring fragrances, these flowers can transform your garden into a nocturnal paradise.
