Flowers That Bloom at Night: Top 22 Picks to Design a Moonlit Garden Display in White, Pink, Red & Purple
Ever walked outside at dusk and caught a whiff of something sweet on the breeze? Or noticed a flower that seemed closed during the day suddenly glowing under moonlight 🌕? If you’ve ever wondered what flowers bloom at night or dreamed of creating a garden that comes alive after sunset, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll explore the fascinating world of flowers that bloom at night. Whether you’re curious about which varieties open only after dark, want to discover blooms in colors like white, pink, or purple, or hope to attract nighttime pollinators like moths and hummingbirds, this guide has you covered.
So grab a cup of tea 🍵, and let’s take a moonlit stroll through nature’s after-dark wonders…
Why Do Some Flowers Bloom at Night?
It’s all about adaptation. Many night bloomers have evolved in warm climates where moisture evaporates quickly during the day. By opening at night, they avoid harsh sun exposure and reduce water loss.
You’ll often find night-blooming flowers to be:
- Heavily fragrant, to guide pollinators through scent
- Light-colored, especially white or pale shades, which reflect moonlight
- Short-lived, with blooms that may last just one night, or only a few hours
From the legendary Night Blooming Jasmine to the rare and elusive Queen of the Night, these plants turn your garden into a completely different experience after sundown. Whether you have a backyard, patio, or balcony, there’s always room to add a little nighttime magic.
22 Night Blooming Flowers I Recommend to Enhance Your Evening Garden:
Below, you’ll find my favorite list of flowers that bloom at night in white, pink, red, blue, and purple. I’ve shared detailed insights about each one to help you choose the right blooms for your garden or growing space.
White Night Blooming Flowers List🤍
1. Night Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
If you’re looking for a flower that transforms your evening garden into a scented retreat, night-blooming jasmine is the one. This plant doesn’t have flashy flowers—in fact, they’re small and tube-shaped—but when dusk falls, they release one of the most powerful fragrances you’ll ever experience in the garden. Just one plant is enough to perfume your whole patio.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 8–11
- Size: 8–12 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Beds, borders, containers near seating areas
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- When to Plant: Spring, after the last frost
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall, primarily at night
Related: Vines with White Flowers
2. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
Moonflowers are true night showstoppers. Their massive, trumpet-shaped white blooms open just before sunset and shine like glowing moons against dark green leaves. They’re fast climbers and perfect for trellises, fences, or balcony railings. As they unfurl in the evening, they add a touch of drama and elegance to any night garden.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 9–11 (annual in cooler zones)
- Size: 10–15 feet long vines
- Growing Locations: Trellises, fences, large containers
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- When to Plant: Late spring, when the soil is warm
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer through early fall, opens at dusk
Must Read: Where to Plant Peonies – Best Place, Planting Month & Sunlight Requirements
3. White Evening Primrose (Oenothera pallida)
White Evening Primrose is a charming addition to natural-style gardens. Its satiny white or pale yellow blooms open around twilight and often glow faintly under moonlight. While not as strongly scented as others, it’s beloved by nighttime pollinators. Its easy-care nature makes it great for wildflower meadows or low-maintenance beds.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 4–9
- Size: 3–5 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Pollinator gardens, wildflower beds, edges
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- When to Plant: Spring or fall
- Bloom Time: Summer through early fall, primarily at night
4. Casablanca Lily (Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’)
For those who love bold elegance, Casablanca lilies deliver. These huge white blooms are not only visually stunning but also incredibly fragrant after sunset. They look especially striking when planted near walkways or patios where their rich scent can be appreciated in the evening hours.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 5–8
- Size: 3–4 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Flower beds, borders, cutting gardens
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- When to Plant: Early spring or fall (as bulbs)
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer, best fragrance in the evening
Must Read: Best Plants for Shallow Pots
5. Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
This rare cactus flower is a true night garden treasure. Known as the “Queen of the Night,” it produces enormous, pure white blooms—but only for a few hours, and usually just once per year! The anticipation alone makes growing it worth it. Its blooms are deeply fragrant and breathtaking when they finally appear.
While its bloom is short-lived, this rare cactus flower can draw the attention of dusk-flying pollinators, including hummingbirds that may visit right before the petals close.
Its short-lived flower opens slowly after sunset, releasing a rich, sweet fragrance. Though rare, its massive bloom can attract dusk-flying pollinators like moths or even hummingbirds before the petals close.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 10–11 (grow in containers elsewhere)
- Size: 4–6 feet tall in containers or hanging baskets
- Growing Locations: Shaded patios, hanging baskets, indoor-outdoor transition spots
- Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light
- When to Plant: Spring
- Bloom Time: Summer (blooms at night, rarely and unpredictably)
- Toxicity: Not highly toxic, but some people may experience skin irritation from sap.
- Handling Tip: Handle with care; not considered poisonous but not edible.
Purple & Blue Night Blooming Flowers List 💜
6. Datura (Datura metel)
With its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple and violet, Datura brings a mysterious elegance to any moonlit garden. These blooms spiral open at dusk and are often filled with a subtle but intoxicating fragrance. Handle with care—while stunning, all parts of the plant are toxic. Grow it in containers or flower beds with space to show off.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 9–11 (can be grown as an annual elsewhere)
- Size: 3–5 feet tall and wide
- Growing Locations: Containers, borders, large garden beds
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- When to Plant: Spring, after frost danger passes
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer, blooms at night and fades by morning
- Toxicity: Highly poisonous to humans and animals. All parts contain tropane alkaloids, which affect the nervous system.
- Handling Tip: Always wear gloves; keep away from children and pets.
Related: Vines with Purple Flowers
7. Desert Bluebell (Phacelia campanularia)
Though not a true night bloomer, Desert Bluebell is known to remain open well into the evening hours, especially in cooler climates. Its vivid, bell-shaped blue flowers glow beautifully in twilight and attract night-active pollinators. Ideal for desert-style gardens or dry areas that still need a pop of bold color.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 6–10
- Size: 1–2 feet tall and wide
- Growing Locations: Xeriscapes, rock gardens, wildflower beds
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- When to Plant: Early spring or late fall in warm zones
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer, may reopen in the evening in cooler temps
Pink Night Blooming Flowers List 🌸
8. Pink Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
Among the most carefree pink flowers that bloom at night, pink Four O’Clocks bring soft, tropical charm to your garden. They open in late afternoon and stay open through dusk and into the evening, filling the air with a light, sweet fragrance. Their pastel pink hues are especially eye-catching as the sunlight fades and shadows stretch across your garden.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 7–11 (annual in colder zones)
- Size: 2–4 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Borders, near patios, sunny flower beds
- Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
- When to Plant: After the last frost in spring
- Bloom Time: Summer into early fall, opens at dusk
Related: Vines with Pink Flowers
9. Epiphyllum ‘Pink Orchid Cactus’ (Epiphyllum hybrids)
This breathtaking night bloomer produces large, ruffled, orchid-like flowers in stunning shades of pink. Unlike traditional cacti, the Pink Orchid Cactus thrives in partial shade and humid conditions. The blooms are short-lived but dramatic, often appearing in waves through summer nights. Grow it in hanging baskets or elevated pots to showcase the cascade of blooms.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 10–11 (grow in containers in cooler zones)
- Size: 1–3 feet long, trailing stems
- Growing Locations: Hanging baskets, elevated containers, shaded patios
- Light Requirements: Bright indirect light or dappled sun
- When to Plant: Spring or early summer
- Bloom Time: Late spring through summer, blooms open in the evening or at night
10. Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Often overlooked, Sweet Rocket is a cottage garden favorite with clusters of lilac-pink blooms that open in the evening and remain fragrant well into the night. While it isn’t strictly nocturnal, its scent intensifies at dusk, making it a great companion near windows or outdoor seating areas. It brings gentle charm and soft color to borders and pollinator gardens.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 4–9
- Size: 2–3 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Wildflower gardens, borders, shaded edges
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- When to Plant: Spring or late summer for blooms the following year
- Bloom Time: Late spring through summer, evening fragrance is strongest at night
Yellow Night Blooming Flowers List 🌻
11. Yellow Evening Primrose
Yellow Evening Primrose is a classic when it comes to yellow flowers that only bloom at night. Its cheerful, lemon-yellow blooms open quickly around sunset, attracting moths and other nighttime pollinators. You’ll often spot the blooms shimmering under low light, especially after a warm day. It’s a hardy biennial that reseeds easily and thrives with little attention.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 4–9
- Size: 3–5 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Wildflower beds, pollinator gardens, roadside borders
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- When to Plant: Spring or fall
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer, opens in the evening
Related: Vines with Yellow Flowers
12. Yellow Nicotiana (Nicotiana alata)
Nicotiana alata is often grown for its sweet, lingering scent that becomes strongest at night. The yellow variety adds a soft glow to evening gardens with its star-shaped flowers. While the blooms may open during the day in cool weather, they truly shine after dark, both visually and aromatically. It’s a magnet for night-flying moths and adds elegance to shaded corners.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 9–11 (grow as annual in cooler zones)
- Size: 2–4 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Cottage gardens, near patios, shaded flower beds
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- When to Plant: After the danger of frost in spring
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall, scent intensifies at night
Must Read: Best Low-Maintenance Plants for the Living Room
Red Night Blooming Flowers List 🌹
13. Red Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
Red Four O’Clocks are a favorite for adding warmth and bold color to evening gardens. Their funnel-shaped blooms open late in the afternoon and remain vibrant well into the night, especially in warm weather. This variety is known for its rich crimson to deep scarlet tones that almost glow under twilight. Plus, they’re low-maintenance and loved by hummingbirds at dusk.
Things to Know
- Zones: 7–11 (annual in cooler regions)
- Size: 2–4 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Mixed borders, cottage gardens, foundation beds
- Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
- When to Plant: After the last spring frost
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer through fall, opens late afternoon into night
Related: Vines with Red Flowers
14. Red Torch Cactus (Echinopsis huascha)
If you’re seeking red flowers that bloom at night with a striking desert flair, Red Torch Cactus fits the bill. It produces bold, tube-like crimson flowers that open in the evening and fade by morning. These blooms often appear in waves throughout summer. The contrast between the vivid flowers and spiny stems makes this cactus a showstopper in rock gardens or pots.
Things to Know
- Zones: 9–11
- Size: 12–24 inches tall, spreads in clumps
- Growing Locations: Rock gardens, desert landscapes, containers
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- When to Plant: Spring to early summer
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer, blooms at night and closes by morning
- Toxicity: Not typically dangerous, but spines can cause skin injury or irritation.
- Handling Tip: Use gloves when handling due to sharp spines.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take for Peonies to Grow from Bare Root or Tubers?
15. Red Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia suaveolens)
Red Angel’s Trumpet is a tropical beauty that offers massive, hanging, trumpet-shaped flowers in deep reddish-pink tones. While it begins to open in the evening, its real allure is the powerful fragrance released after dark. Ideal for patios or near outdoor seating, this dramatic plant creates an unforgettable sensory experience—but note that all parts of it are toxic if ingested.
Its tubular shape and deep color can also catch the eye of hummingbirds during twilight, just as the bloom begins to release its evening fragrance.
Things to Know
- Zones: 9–11 (container-grown in cooler zones)
- Size: 6–10 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide
- Growing Locations: Patio containers, near walls or fences, tropical-style gardens
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- When to Plant: After the last frost, once the soil is consistently warm
- Bloom Time: Late spring through fall, strongest fragrance at night
- Toxicity: All parts are toxic due to alkaloids like scopolamine and atropine. It can cause serious illness if ingested.
- Handling Tip: Avoid touching your eyes after handling; wash your hands thoroughly.
Related: Peony Growing Stages
Fragrant Night Blooming Flowers List 🌺
16. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
Tuberose is one of the most powerful night-blooming fragrant flowers you can grow. Its tall spikes carry clusters of creamy white blossoms that release a deeply sweet, heady scent after sunset. The fragrance intensifies in warm air, making it a favorite for evening gardens, moonlit patios, and even cut-flower arrangements for late events.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 7–11 (lift bulbs in colder zones)
- Size: 2–3 feet tall
- Growing Locations: Beds, borders, containers near windows or walkways
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- When to Plant: Late spring, once the soil warms
- Bloom Time: Late summer through early fall, strongest scent in the evening
17. Night Phlox (Zaluzianskya ovata)
Often called “Midnight Candy,” night phlox is small in size but big on fragrance. These tiny flowers remain closed during the day and open in the evening, releasing a rich, vanilla-spice scent. Their white and purple petals create a subtle glow at twilight. It’s a must-grow for fragrance lovers with limited space.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 9–10 (grow as annual elsewhere)
- Size: 12–18 inches tall
- Growing Locations: Containers, raised beds, edging borders
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- When to Plant: After the last frost in spring
- Bloom Time: Summer, fragrance strongest at dusk and night
18. Lady of the Night Orchid (Brassavola nodosa)
This unique orchid lives up to its name—its delicate white flowers don’t just bloom at night, they emit an unmistakable citrusy fragrance after dark. Lady of the Night thrives in hanging baskets or mounted displays where air circulation is good. A tropical addition perfect for orchid lovers looking to enjoy the nighttime aroma.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 10–11 (indoor orchid elsewhere)
- Size: 8–18 inches tall
- Growing Locations: Hanging baskets, orchid mounts, humid patios
- Light Requirements: Bright indirect light to filtered sun
- When to Plant: Spring or early summer
- Bloom Time: Late summer through fall, opens at night
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Rare and Exotic Night Blooming Flowers List 🌸
19. Jungle Cactus (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
Often called the “Night Blooming Cereus,” Selenicereus grandiflorus is a tropical cactus with sprawling stems and jaw-dropping white flowers that bloom only at night. The blooms are enormous—sometimes over 12 inches wide—and release a sweet, vanilla-like scent as they open. Gardeners prize it not only for its rarity, but for the anticipation and drama each bloom brings.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 10–11 (container-grown in cooler areas)
- Size: 4–10 feet long stems when mature
- Growing Locations: Hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, greenhouses
- Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light
- When to Plant: Spring
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer, blooms only at night and fades by morning
20. Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata)
This sacred flower is one of the most spiritually celebrated rare night-blooming flowers, especially in the Himalayan regions. Brahma Kamal blooms after dusk and only under the right conditions. Its thick, star-shaped white blossoms carry a subtle scent and are often considered symbols of good luck. It’s a high-altitude plant, tricky to grow but worth the effort for collectors.
Things to Know:
- Zones: Grown mostly in controlled environments (greenhouses or high-altitude gardens)
- Size: 1–2 feet tall
- Growing Locations: Alpine gardens, pots with drainage, shaded cool zones
- Light Requirements: Partial sun, cool temps
- When to Plant: Spring to early summer
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer, blooms at night and wilts by morning
Also Read: Tomato Companion Plants List
21. Chinese Glory Bower (Clerodendrum chinense)
This exotic shrub isn’t a strict night bloomer, but its pale pink to white blossoms often intensify in fragrance after dark, making it a delightful evening companion. In warm climates, it spreads easily and creates lush, tropical garden vibes. Its clusters of pom-pom-like blooms offer a rare combination of visual softness and twilight scent.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 8–11
- Size: 4–6 feet tall and wide
- Growing Locations: Mixed borders, tropical gardens, foundation plantings
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- When to Plant: Spring
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall, evening fragrance
22. Dragon Fruit Flower (Hylocereus undatus)
This fast-growing cactus isn’t just known for its delicious fruit—it also produces one of the most surreal, rare flowers that bloom at night. Each bloom can reach nearly 10 inches wide and only opens for one night. The petals are pure white with green tips, and they release a light fragrance. It’s perfect for gardeners who love unusual plants with edible bonuses.
Things to Know:
- Zones: 10–11
- Size: Vines can grow over 10 feet long with support
- Growing Locations: Trellises, greenhouses, containers in warm climates
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- When to Plant: Spring
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer, blooms for one night
Related: How to Grow Dragon Fruit From Seed and Cuttings
🌱 How to Grow and Care for Flowers That Bloom at Night
Growing flowers that bloom at night isn’t difficult, but they do have some specific needs to truly shine after dark. Here’s how to keep them thriving:
- Choose a sunny spot. Most night bloomers soak up sun during the day and bloom at dusk. Full sun is ideal unless you’re growing shade-tolerant varieties like orchid cactus.
- Use well-draining soil. Whether in the ground or pots, waterlogged roots will quickly ruin your plant. Add sand or perlite if needed.
- Water wisely. Keep the soil lightly moist—cactus types need less water, while lush bloomers like jasmine need more during active growth.
- Feed during the blooming season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer to encourage strong blooms.
- Mind the pot size. For containers, use pots that give the roots room to spread but drain easily.
- Deadhead spent blooms. Removing faded flowers encourages new ones and keeps the plant tidy.
Expert Tip: For a truly magical evening display, mix fragrant varieties with bold colors and place them near walkways or patios where you can enjoy them after sunset.
Also Read: Fastest-Growing Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy
🪴 Night Blooming Flowers for Containers and Balcony Gardens
Limited on space? You can still enjoy the magic of flowers that bloom at night right from your balcony or terrace. Choose compact or vining varieties that thrive in pots and release fragrance after sunset.
Top picks for containers:
- Moonflower – great on balcony railings or trellises
- Pink Epiphyllum – thrives in hanging baskets
- Night Phlox – perfect for window boxes with evening scent
- Tuberose – upright and ideal near seating areas
- Four O’Clocks – bushy and colorful, even in smaller pots
Use well-drained soil, water regularly, and place containers where they’ll catch sunlight by day and be enjoyed by evening.
Related: Gardening Tools Names with Pictures
🛒 Where to Find Seeds or Plants
Many flowers that bloom at night are available from trusted nurseries and specialty seed suppliers.
Look for:
- Heirloom flower seeds at local garden centers or online marketplaces
- Cactus and orchid cuttings from succulent specialists
- Tropical plants like jasmine or brugmansia at greenhouse growers or plant expos
Before buying, check for live plant shipping availability in your zone and always choose certified disease-free sources for best results.
Must Read: Carrot Companion Plants List
💡 Tips to Maximize Bloom Time and Fragrance
To get the most from your night garden:
- Water in the evening to reduce stress and help blooms open smoothly
- Use moonlight-reflecting colors like white and pale pink for added glow
- Group fragrant varieties near patios, walkways, or windows to enjoy their scent
- Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers—they grow leaves, not flowers
- Add support for vines like moonflower or dragon fruit to help them climb and shine
These simple steps ensure your garden doesn’t just survive—but glows and smells divine after dark.
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Conclusion
We’ve explored an incredible variety of night-blooming flowers—from bold reds and fragrant whites to rare tropical stunners that bloom under the stars. Whether you’re planting in a backyard bed or a balcony pot, there’s a night bloomer waiting to bring magic to your evenings.
Start small or go all in—but don’t forget to tell us: Which one will you try first?
Share your night garden story in the comments to help inspire fellow gardeners.
Information Sources:
Here at RASNetwork Gardening, integrity and accuracy are at the core of our content creation, with every article solidly backed by peer-reviewed research and reliable references. See the list of trusted sources used in this article below.
1. Wikipedia – Night-blooming plants
