Night blooming plants are a fascinating group of flora that open their flowers after sunset, filling gardens with unique beauty and often enchanting fragrances. These plants have evolved to attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats, relying on pale-colored petals and strong scents to stand out in the darkness. Some popular night bloomers include the Moonflower (Ipomoea alba), which unfurls large white blossoms at dusk, and the Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), renowned for its intoxicating aroma. The Queen of the Night cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is another remarkable example, producing spectacular blooms that last only for a single night.
Moonflower
Ipomoea alba, also known as the moonflower or moonvine, is a perennial vine that grows quickly and blooms at night in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). It is highly valued for its large, fragrant white flowers that open in the evening and close by in the morning.
The white flowers that are large and trumpet-shaped have a diameter of up to 6 inches (15 cm) and are the most noticeable feature. At dusk, they begin to bloom, often unfolding rapidly from a spiraled bud, and stay open all night, releasing a sweet scent that catches the attention of night-flying moths.
Care
Full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight daily) is where Moonflowers thrive. Although they prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil, they are capable of tolerating a variety of soil types. Consistent moisture is necessary, particularly for young plants. Plants that have been established have an average water requirement, but should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Night-Blooming Jasmine
Night-blooming jasmine is a scientific name for the evergreen shrub Cestrum nocturnum, which is known for its intense, sweet fragrance of flowers that only bloom at dusk. Although it is commonly known, this is not a true jasmine and is part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which also encompasses tomatoes and potatoes.
Clusters of small, tubular, greenish-white or pale yellow flowers are produced by the plant, but they are not visually impressive. They use a powerful, sweet scent to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths by emitting it exclusively at night, which is their primary feature.
Care
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the soil should be well-drained and fertile, with a pH between slightly acidic and neutral. Moderate to frequent watering is required for this plant that loves water, with the soil kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Cape Jasmine
Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides) is an evergreen shrub that is prized for its glossy, dark-green foliage and intensely fragrant, waxy white flowers. Although it may seem like a resemblance to true jasmine, it is actually a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and is more commonly known as gardenia.
The leaves of this shrub are thick and leathery, with prominent veins. The flowers tend to be white, but can turn creamy yellow as they age, and can either be single or double-petaled. The majority of cultivated varieties develop into a medium-sized shrub, with a height of between 3 and 6 feet and a width of 3 to 6 feet.
Care
The plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade. To avoid the leaves from scorching in warmer climates, offer some afternoon shade. A consistently moist, but well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter is necessary. Root rot can be a result of poor drainage. To keep the soil consistently moist, water it regularly. To avoid fungal leaf spots, avoid watering overhead. Plants grown indoors or in containers should not be left in water. After flowering, it is important to do major pruning immediately. This encourages new growth, which will result in the formation of new flower buds.
Evening Primrose
The evening primrose (Oenothera) is known for its distinctive blooms that open in the evening. Yellow flowers are the most common variety, but other species have blossoms that are white, pink, or red. The evening primrose is not actually a primrose, but rather a member of the willowherb family Onagraceae, despite its name.
The flowers are usually large and cup-shaped, and have four petals. The yellow blooms of the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) have a lemon scent and open quickly in the late afternoon and evening.
Angel’s trumpet
The Brugmansia genus Angel’s trumpets is known for its large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, among other things. Although they are native to the tropical regions of South America, they are a popular ornamental plant worldwide. Despite its beauty, all parts of the plant are highly poisonous to both humans and pets.
Large, pendular, trumpet-shaped flowers are produced by woody perennials known as angel’s trumpets. White, yellow, pink, orange, peach, and red are among the many colors that flowers come in. Double or triple layers of petals may be present in certain cultivars. The leaves are big, uncomplicated, and have either smooth or coarsely toothed edges.
Care
Angel’s trumpets are best suited for full sun, with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. In hot climates, afternoon shade may be beneficial for them. Select soil that is fertile, moist, and drains well. If the soil is completely dry, the plants, who are heavy drinkers, can wilt drastically. During the growing season, water your plants often, possibly even twice a day for container plants in hot weather.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also referred to as the Queen of the Night, is a cactus that grows on a tree and is celebrated for its large, fragrant, white flowers that only bloom during one night. Although it originated from Mexico to Nicaragua, it is now widely grown and has naturalized in many tropical regions, including Southeast Asia.
The most noticeable feature is its funnel-shaped, nocturnal flowers, which are very fragrant and can reach a length of 12 inches and a width of 7 inches. They begin opening in the late evening and leave by dawn. Many gardeners celebrate the fleeting bloom, which can only occur once or twice a season on mature plants. Moths and bats pollinate the flowers in the wild.
Care
Bright, indirect light is the ideal environment for this cactus. Direct and harsh sunlight can burn the leaves. It’s ideal to find a location near a south-facing window with filtered light. To prevent root rot, it’s important to water the soil regularly during its growing season (spring through fall) and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce the frequency of watering in winter. Select a soil mix that is well-draining and slightly acidic. Peat moss, sand, and pine bark are suitable ingredients in a mixture.
