12 Night Garden Plants

If you work long days or are just a night owl, then maintaining a beautiful garden that could only be enjoyed during the daylight hours won’t work for you.

In this article, I will share with you 12 Night Garden Plants that bloom, give off fragrance or simply glow in the moonlight; perfect for those of you who prefer enjoying their outdoor spaces after the sun goes down.

I realize that some of us don’t get to garden… or simply don’t have the time to do it. But you deserve to benefit from the therapeutic effects of flowering fragrances and the sight of beautiful blossoms too!

So if your favorite elixir is an evening glass of wine over a morning cup of coffee (heck, I love both!) then read on for some great options that will work for you.

 

Plants for Showy White Flowers

White flowers seem to glow at night. A full moon makes them pop in the garden but even the slightest bit of light can make them come alive. Try planting these four with their big spectacular blooms….

 

 

Hibiscus ‘White Chiffon’ (Rose of Sharon)

Large white flowers that deter deer and attracts butterflies.

• Type: Deciduous Shrub
• Height/Width: 12 ft x 6 ft
• Zones: 5-9
• Special Characteristics: Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant

 

 

Hydrangea Arboresens ‘Incrediball’

HUGE white pompom like flowers on sturdy stems.

• Type: Deciduous Shrub
• Height/Width: 6 ft x 5 ft
• Zones: 3-9
• Special Characteristics: Very hardy, easy to grow, dried flower, Native species

 

 

Clematis ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’

Showy white flowers on this beautiful climber.

• Type: Perennial Vine
• Height/Width: 10 ft x 16 in
• Zones: 4-9
• Special Characteristics: Pruning group 2, repeat bloomer

 

 

Impatiens Walleriana

Prolific blooming annual perfect for containers and baskets.

• Type: Annual
• Height/Width: 20 in x 12 in
• Zones: 10-11 (grown as an annual)
• Special Characteristics: Shade lover, blooms spring to frost

 

Plants for Night Fragrance

Some plants are just more fragrant at night. In fact, they attract moths and other nocturnal pollinators when the sun goes down. Never thought of moths as evening butterflies did you?

Many people know about Moonflowers (Ipomea Alba) that are vigorous climbers. They open during the night then close when the sun rises. They have a scent and are available in blue’s, purples and red as well. Here are some other scented night garden plants….

 

 

Common White Lilac

White lilacs have the most intense fragrance and glow at night.

• Type: Deciduous Shrub
• Height/Width: 12 ft x 10 ft
• Zones: 3-9
• Special Characteristics: This one is called Angel White and blooms well in the south

 

 Mock Orange ( Philadelphus Coronarius )

Extremely fragrant shrub with pretty white flowers.

• Type: Deciduous Shrub
• Height/Width: 10 ft x 10 ft
• Zones: 3-9
• Special Characteristics: Sweet scented fast growing shrub with fountain like appearance

 

 

Nicotiana

Let’s off its fragrant scent in the late afternoon and evening. Fragrant Cloud is one of the most highly scented.

• Type: Annual
• Height/Width: 36 in tall
• Zones: 10-11
• Special Characteristics: Grown as annual in beds and containers

 

 

Evening Primrose

This night bloomer attracts moths and nocturnal bee’s. It’s fragrance is enjoyed whilst strolling the garden under the moonlight.

• Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Height/Width: 1 ft x 1 1/2 ft
• Zones: 3-7
• Special Characteristics: Tolerates drought and poor soil, best used in borders and rock gardens

 

Plants with Brightly Patterned Foliage

I always tell people to choose plants for their gardens that have colorful foliage. Flowers only last a short period of time then you have a green plant for the rest of the year. Not only will you enjoy color in your garden during the day, you can enjoy these as night garden plants as well.

 

 

Hostas

Every year new introductions are on the market. From absolutely huge leaved varieties to the tiniest adorable ones, they come in an array of gorgeous colors and will brighten up the shade AND the evening with their pretty foliage.

• Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Height/Width: 4 in to 6 ft
• Zones: 3-9
• Special Characteristics: Shade lover and great garden filler

 

 

Artemisia Stellerianna (Dusty Miller)

This velvety soft plant looks amazing tucked in beds against dark foliage.

• Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Height/Width: 4 in to 6 in
• Zones: 5-9
• Special Characteristics: Use in beds and borders

 

 

Stachys Byzantina (Lambs Ears)

This plant has a silvery hue in the moonlight and you can’t help but pet its soft leaves.

• Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Height/Width: 2 ft to 1 ft
• Zones: 4-8
• Special Characteristics: Great naturalizer, deters rabbits and deer, drought tolerant

 

 

Caladiums

A tropical plant that prefers shade. Known also as Elephants ears, it comes in many colors but white works best for night gardens.

• Type: Tropical
• Height/Width: 8 in to 24 in (depending on variety)
• Zones: 9-11
• Special Characteristics: Used as an annual in Northern Climates, prefers part to full shade.

 

I discuss dozens more in my radio show that airs every Wednesday at 7pm EST. Check out my last show about night gardens and special plants you can use to enjoy the evening air!

 

 

Don’t forget lighting! Candles set the mood or you can check out my post on DIY Garden Lights:

 

 

I’ve got a post coming up in the next couple of weeks for a very cool outdoor chandelier, I can’t wait to share it!

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