Late Bloomers: Moon Flowers

Interested in creating a moon garden? There is a wide variety of beautiful plants that bloom in the evening. Their lighter petals shine in the moonlight, and their fragrance can attract many night pollenators!

Dutchman's Pipe Cactus, or Epiphyllum oxypetalum, is a branching cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It's large, white blooms open in the late evening and close before the sun fully rises. 

Dragon Fruit Cactus, also know as Pitahaya, is a tropical cactus with long, flat leaves, and beautiful bright fruit. The Dragon Fruit plant blooms at night, and for only one evening!

Brahma Kamal, or Saussurea obvallata, is a flowering plant Native to Asia which name translates to "The Lotus of Brahma". This plant is endangered because of it's medicinal herb tendencies. Blooming in the late evening, this flower only stays open for a few hours.

Four o' Clocks, or Mirabilis, are named after the time the bloom - 4 'clock. The flowers open due to a temperature drop and remain open throughout the night, perfect for noctural pollinators!

Night Blooming Water Lilies bloom at dusk until around 9AM the next morning and can be seen in a variety of colors including pink, white, and red. The blooms are large with thin petals.

Ipomoea, or Moon Flowers, are closely related to the sweet potato vine and the morning glory. Their white or purple flowers bloom in the late afternoon.

Evening Primrose, or Oenothera, blooms later in the day until mid-morning. The cup-like flowers with 4 petals can be pink, white, or yellow.

Night Gladiolus, or Gladiolus tristis, enjoys growing in areas with heavy rainfall. The creamy yellow flowers bloom at night!

Casablanca Lilies, or Gladiolus tristis, are known for their large white flowers, height, and sweet smell. They are a favorite choice for weddings!

Nottingham Catchfly, or Silene nutans, are common in Finland and throughout Europe. Their flowers remain closed during the day and open at night. Their smell attracts butterflies!