Night-Blooming Flowers

There are a few special flowers that take the spotlight only after the sun has gone down. Check out these elusive nighttime bloomers below and tips for incorporating them into your outdoor space.

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

Image by Pete Muller courtesy iStock

A cousin to the familiar morning glory, this twining annual vine features giant white trumpet-like flowers that begin opening around dusk, but fade and close (or fall off) come morning. Train against a trellis or along a railing with full to part-sun conditions for the best effect.

Tobacco Flower (Nicotiana alata)

Image by Tom Meaker courtesy iStock

Commonly known as the tobacco flower, this annual grows up to 3’ tall and features a panicle — or cluster — of medium-sized white tubular flowers. While some blooms may open during the day, they truly burst out at dusk when their fragrance grows exponentially stronger. Easily grown in full sun to part shade.

Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)

Image by PFMphotostock courtesy iStock

This tropical plant, which is actually related to jessamine not jasmine, has a larger shrubby habit and minimal ornamental value. But what it lacks in color and form it makes up for in fragrance, blooming only after dark and emitting that classic jasmine scent. Try incorporating it in a mix of more colorful plantings in full sun to part shade to get the best of both worlds.