I actually know a flower that will bloom on the full moon and smell like chocolate, so let’s not just talk about what smells good at night, but also what flowers will smell good at night!
Ever look at a plant and wonder how it can smell so good yet nobody’s been able to figure out how it does? Well, I’ll tell you: It’s through the process of photoperiodism , an interaction between light, temperature, and humidity occurring in response to the day/night cycle.
One thing I’ve thought about a lot is the time of year that various flowers bloom. Depending on where you live, this might not be such an obvious question. If you have four seasons on your side, like I do, then you might wonder why certain flowers bloom at different times depending on their needs.
Moon flowers that bloom at night
Have you ever wanted to get married but didn’t have enough money or the time to find a perfect location? You could’ve had your dream wedding with this beautiful moon flowers that bloom at night next to a white beach under an orange starry sky and with a cool ocean breeze. I used my creativity and these photos for inspiration for my wedding.
It’s during the evening hours—especially during the warmer months of the year—when you can really enjoy your patio, deck, and yard. Work is done for the day, you may have grilled outside, and it’s time to kick back and savor the company of family and friends.
Flowers that smell good at night
But what about the extras, those little things that might coax you to stay outside and drink in the starry sky? A glass of wine or cocktail might help you unwind, and a fire pit is nice to gather around for conversation. Candles, lanterns, or soft lighting can create a relaxing atmosphere and allow guests to stay outdoors longer but if you really want to tap into the senses, consider introducing wonderful, heavenly scents into your outdoor space. And not just with candles or incense—you’ll want to go for the real thing.
Some plants, especially those that produce flowers, smell stronger and sweeter at night. Planting fragrant bloomers in beds and containers on patios, porches, and near outdoor spaces puts them up close and personal with you and your guests where you can inhale intoxicating aromas that can’t be duplicated.
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Why Do Some Plants Smell Stronger at Night?
Flowering plants depend on birds, insects, or the wind to move pollen from one flower to another. While some flowering plants lure pollinators with their colors, others attract them with their scents. Plants that need to be pollinated by night-flying insects and bats smell stronger in the evening, when they are ready for pollination and when their pollinators are most active.
Landscaping Tips
Place near a porch, patio, near outdoor seating, or along a path.
Stay away from combining scents that might compete or become overpowering if concentrated in a small area.
Plant according to light, water, and soil needs.
With research and planning, you can have a sweet-smelling garden or patio all year round by knowing what blooms when and staggering accordingly.
Plants that are especially fragrant will do well in areas that receive lots of traffic, like paths, a patio seating area, or near windows.
Here are 16 plants that smell best at night.
01of 16Angel’s Trumpet Tatyana Azarova / Getty Images
Botanical name: Brugmansia
Also known as: Datura
Zones: USDA 8 through 12
Care: Thrives in sun or shade; requires regular wateringThese South American natives bearing trumpet-shaped flowers in white, pink, or yellow grow well under eaves and against walls. Container-grown plants will be smaller and can be moved indoors if frost is a threat. Its fragrance picks up at night. The only angel’s trumpet that is not scented is B. sanguinea, which has an orange-red flower.
02of 16Casa Blanca Lily kororokerokero / Getty Images
Botanical name: Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’
Zones: USDA 3 through 9
Care: Roots should be kept cool, while tops should be in sun or filtered light; needs regular wateringThis Asian lily should be planted in spring or fall and will bloom in August and September. It looks good when planted in groups of three or five identical bulbs and is happy in a container. A large white bloom, Casa Blanca produces a sweet aroma.FEATURED VIDEOhttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.502.0_en.html#goog_7092230310 seconds of 47 secondsVolume 0%00:47 19 Timelapses Perfect for Plant Lovers
03of 16Evening Primrose John Cox / Getty Images
Botanical name: Oenothera caespitosa
Also known as: Tufted, Fragrant or White Evening Primrose
Zones: USDA 5 through 8
Care: Partial shade to full sun; needs little to moderate wateringA native to the western United States, this perennial/biennial attracts night-flying insects which are drawn to the flower’s lovely scent. As the name might imply, evening primrose opens quickly at dusk or on overcast days. White to pink blooms are heavy in spring to autumn. Evening Primrose is a drought-tolerant plant that grows in poor soil or rocky areas and likes full sun.
04of 16Yellow Evening Primrose katerynap / Getty Images
Botanical name: Oenathera biennis
Zones: USDA 5 through 8
Care: Drought tolerant; grows in dry climatesAnother variation of O. caespitosa, yellow O. biennis attracts moths, hummingbirds, honeybees, and bumblebees, which pollinate the primrose. Easy to grow, it can become tall during its second year, when it flowers, sets seed and dies.https://d05cc85a2ce4ca7606132a25620162aa.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
05of 16Flowering Tobacco Tom Meaker / EyeEm / Getty Images
Botanical name: Nicotiana. Scented species include: N. alata ‘Grandiflora’, N. sylvestris
Also known as: Jasmine tobacco
Zones: USDA 10 through 11
Care: Partial shade or full sun; regular waterThese South American natives are upright growers that can be identified by their large, oval leaves, sticky stems, and foliage. Tubular flowers open after dark and on cloudy days and are especially fragrant at night.
06of 164 O’Clock MIXA / Getty Images
Botanical name: Mirabilis jalapa
Also know as: Marvel of Peru, Beauty of the Night
Zones: USDA 7 through 11
Care: Full sun; little waterA native to Peru, Marvel of Peru seeds were sent to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. Mounding plants that reach heights of three to four feet, four o’clocks are enjoyed for their variety of colors: yellow, red, pink, white, and variations thereof. Not surprisingly, flower blossoms become more fragrant in the late afternoon (around four pm) until early morning hours.
07of 16Gardenias Jonelle Weaver / Getty Images
Botanical names: Gardenia augusta, G jasminoides
Zones: USDA 8 through 11
Care: Partial shade or full sun; regular or ample water A native to Japan, China, and Taiwan, this plant is noted for its glossy, bright green leaves and single or double white flowers that are strongly scented. To grow, plant them in fast-draining soil with plenty of organic amendments and give them room for their roots to spread. Gardenias perform well in containers, raised beds, as espaliers, and as low privacy or green screens.
08of 16Heliotrope Mark Turner / Getty Images
Botanical name: Heliotropium Peruvianum
Also known as: Common heliotrope
Zones: USDA 10 through 11
Care: Regular waterA native of Peru, this flower is a summer annual that produces blooms in purples, blues, violets, and whites. Most do well in pots and containers and need well-drained soil. Their sent is sweet and delicate.
09of 16Hellebore Georgianna Lane / Getty ImagesBotanical name: HelleborusZones: Varies by speciesCare: Partial or full shade; water varies by species.The flowers of most hellebores are shaped like bells or cups, either facing outward or drooping. Species that smell good include:
H. ‘HCG Champion’
H. ‘HCG Josef Lemper’
H. ‘Molly’s White’
H. ‘Gertrude Jekyll’
H. odorous: some are sweet, while others smell “skunky” or have no scentBear’s-foot hellebore (H. foetidus) bears clusters of flowers that are light green with purplish-red edges that become foul-smelling (malodorous) if crushed or bruised. This is also known as the stinking hellebore.
10of 16Jasmine JenD / Getty Images
Botanical name: Jasminum. Scented species include J. floridum, J. humile (Italian jasmine), J laurifolium nitidum shining jasmine, angelwing jasmine), J. officinale (common white jasmine, poet’s jasmine), J. polyanthum, J. sambac (Arabian jasmine, pikake)
Zones: Vary by species
Care: Light shade to full sun; moderate to regular waterThe species listed above are especially fragrant; some jasmines have little or no fragrance. Most are vining shrubs that grow quickly if given good soil and regular sunlight. Flowers are white, yellow, and pink. J. sambac Arabian jasmine ‘Grand Duke’ produces double flowers that are used for leis in Hawaii and for making perfume. In Asia, this species is used to make jasmine tea.
11of 16Kahili Ginger Douglas Peebles / Getty Images
Botanical name: Hedychium gardneranum
Zones: USDA 9 through 11
Care: Light shade; ample waterThis tropical beauty is native to Asia, India, and the Himalayas. Kahili ginger grows to 8 feet high, which would make a dramatic accent to a garden that borders a patio or deck. Flowers are yellow with red stamens and produce a rich fragrance, especially during late summer evenings. Believe it or not, this ginger is considered a pest on the big island of Hawaii.
12of 16Mexican Orange PhotoStudioMCD / Getty Images
Botanical name: Choysia ternata
Also known as: Mock Orange
Zones: USDA 6 through 9 and 14 through 24
Care: Full sun in cool climates; moderate waterThis Mexican native features clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers that resemble orange blossoms just like orange jasmine. Flowers open in late winter or early spring and bloom continuously for a few months, then intermittently throughout the summer—attractive to bees and makes a good privacy hedge or screen.
13of 16Moonflower lowellgordon / Getty Images
Botanical name: Ipomoea alba (Calonyction aculeatum)
Zones: Vary by species
Care: Full sun; moderate to regular waterIpomoea, or morning glories, are native to tropical and subtropical regions. The genus includes several ornamental vines, including the sweet potato (edible). I alba, or moonflower, a fast-growing vine that can provide shade for an arbor, patio roof, gazebo, or trellis. With the right growing conditions, it can reach 20 to 30 feet in just one season. Leaves are heart-shaped, and blooms resemble funnels. Flowers are white, appear in the evening, and are visible and extremely fragrant throughout the night.
14of 16Night-Blooming Jasmine KAUSHAR KHATUN / Getty Images
Botanical name: Cestrum nocturnum
Zones: Vary
Care: Partial shade; regular waterThis fast-growing shrub native to the West Indies can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide. Creamy white blossoms appear in summer, producing a powerful fragrance at night. It prefers full sun for the most beautiful blooms.
15of 16Plumeria Bob Charlton / Getty Images
Botanical name: Frangipani, Pua Melia.
Zones: Vary
Care: Partial shade; moderate waterThis native to tropical America is grown as a shrub or small tree in warmer climates. Flowers range from white to yellow to pink and variegated. Flowers are sweet-scented and bloom spring through fall.
16of 16Wax Flower TommyIX / Getty Images
Botanical name: Hoya
Also know as: Wax plant
Zones: Vary
Care: Partial or full shade; regular waterA native to Burma, southern China, and India, this tropical plant gets its name from its waxy leaves and flower clusters. A slow-growing, woody vine, H. carnosa does well in hanging baskets on patios and porches. Flowers are creamy-white with a pink center and produce a lovely fragrance that is stronger at night.
CAROLINE GAUVIN
As evidenced by this photo, this perennial plant comes in a number of bright, beautiful colors and does best in USDA Hardiness zones 4-8. The abundant, fragrant flowers bloom in spring and last for about two weeks, and because they are so large, they may require support in order to avoid flopping.
Try:
Delft Blue: This award-winner sports light blue flowers that tower above bright green stems
Pink Surprise: Both the sweet smell and delightful soft pink petals add much to a garden2Magnolia
MARIANNE PURDIE
There’s nothing sweeter than the smell of these large flowers, which bloom in spring and summer, depending on variety. Plant your tree in well-draining, rich soil in full-sun spots. Make sure you give them plenty of room to expand—some can grow up to 40 feet wide.
Try:
Southern Magnolia: Con: it’s a slow grower (up to 10 years from seed); Pro: it’s evergreen
Bigleaf Magnolia: The name says it all—leaves may grow up to 32 inches longADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOWhttps://4fb0964231bb6c82aa0ea3df26283954.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html3Gardenia
© SANTIAGO URQUIJO
You get a lot of bang for your buck with this shrub thanks to fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer and then again in late summer and early fall. Plant in moist, well-draining soil; gardenias thrive in zones 6-11.
SHOP GARDENIAS
4Wisteria
NATALIA GANELIN
Make a statement by growing this vining plant on a pergola or lattice wall. Flowers in shades of blue and purple bloom in spring and late summer. Wisteria likes full sun but will grow in part shade; depending on variety, the fragrance can be faint to overpowering.
SHOP WISTERIA
5Freesia
MANFRED GOTTSCHALK
Tubular flowers come in a variety of shades including white, orange, red, blue, yellow, and lavender that bloom in summer. They are winter hardy in zone 9-10, and are known for the sweet, sweet scent they add to your outdoor oasis.
SHOP FREESIA
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOWhttps://4fb0964231bb6c82aa0ea3df26283954.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html6Sweet Alyssum
COURTESY OF PROVEN WINNERS
Tiny blooms on this delicate annual beckon to pollinators. Sweet alyssum looks lovely cascading from containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets or tucked into a rock garden as a flowering ground cover. This plant likes full to part sun.
Try:
Snow Princess: Profuse white blooms all season long without deadheading
Dark Knight: Deep purple blooms pair well with other annuals in containers7Honeysuckle
COURTESY OF PROVEN WINNERS
This showy, vigorous perennial vine spills beautifully over a trellis or fence-line, and pollinators love it, says Tankersley. Look for the native or newer types, which are not invasive like Japanese honeysuckle; prefers full sun.
Try:
Yellow honeysuckle: Native variety which tolerates a variety of soils
Scentsation: Flowers from mid-spring to late summer, followed by bright red berriesADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW8Rose
COURTESY OF STAR ROSES & PLANTS
“Every garden should have at least one rose,” says Tankersley. “They’re not as fussy as many people believe, and many newer roses also are highly selected for insect and disease resistance.” When selecting a plant, read the tags and look for those that specifically state that they’re scented, as some types have been bred more for form than fragrance. Blooms best in full sun.
Try:
Mr. Lincoln: An old favorite in a striking scarlet red color with incredible scent
Princesse Charlene de Monaco: A new scented rose with light apricot to pink double flowers9Phlox
COURTESY OF CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
Phlox come in shades of pink, white, salmon, purple, red, and bi-colors. Plant as part of a mixed border or in large swaths for impact, suggests Tankersley. Many types self-seed, so they’ll come back on their own next year. Give them plenty of air circulation so they won’t get powdery mildew. Most prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade in hotter climates.
Try:
David: a pure white tall variety that’s especially fragrant
Flame Pink: a compact hot pink type with an extra-long bloom timeADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW10Butterfly Bush
COURTESY OF PROVEN WINNERS
Sometimes called summer lilac, this sturdy little shrub in shades of white, pink, or purple withstands drought, blooms all season long, and attracts pollinators. It’s now available in dwarf varieties, so it won’t overtake your garden, and newer types are not invasive. Set in borders or as mass plantings. Likes full sun.
Try:
Lo & Behold Blue Chip Jr.: Grows just 18 to 30 inches tall to fit in smaller spaces
Asian Moon: Larger size with deep purple flowers that have orange throats11Flowering Crabapple
COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
This spring-flowering tree is a showy addition to the landscape with small crabapples and attractive fall color. Newer types are more disease-resistant. Likes full sun.
Try:
Prairie Fire: Dense, rounded shape with pinkish-red buds and good disease resistance
Royal Raindrops: Magenta flowers and striking deep purple foliage all season longADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW12Peony
GETTY IMAGES
This shrubby perennial plant with glossy dark green foliage may require staking to keep its heavy blooms from drooping, but their lush, exuberant flowers are worth a tiny bit of extra work. Don’t plant too deep or they won’t bloom. The ants that visit the flowers aren’t pests; they’re simply sipping the nectar, says Tankersley. Prefers full sun.
