How to Grow a Moon Garden: Flowers That Glow and Smell Amazing at Night

Feb 23

A moon garden is perfect for anyone who loves stepping outside at night, taking a deep breath, and enjoying the quiet. It’s for those peaceful moments when the world finally slows down, and instead of bright, bold colors, you’re surrounded by soft, glowing whites, silvery leaves, and flowers that save their best scent for after dark.

If you’ve never planted a garden designed for nighttime enjoyment, you’re missing out on one of the best-kept secrets of gardening. Here are 12 plants that will transform your yard into a nighttime paradise—plus a few extra ideas to make your moon garden even more magical.

The items listed are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.

12 Best Plants for a Moon Garden

1. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

If there’s one plant that belongs in every moon garden, it’s moonflower. This fast-growing vine unfurls its massive white blossoms in the evening, releasing a soft, sweet scent that lingers in the air. The flowers almost seem to glow in the dark, making them a must-have.

Tip: Start moonflower from seed. Soak the seeds overnight before planting to speed up germination.

2. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Evening primrose is a true night owl, with bright yellow blooms that open at dusk and attract nighttime pollinators. The light citrusy scent adds a fresh note to your moon garden.

Tip: This plant reseeds readily, so once you have it, expect a surprise return next year.

3. Night Phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis)

Also called “Midnight Candy,” night phlox has small, star-shaped flowers that stay closed during the day but open in the evening, releasing a rich, vanilla-like scent.

Tip: Plant it near seating areas so you can fully enjoy its fragrance.

4. White Nicotiana (Nicotiana alata)

Also known as flowering tobacco, this plant produces delicate white flowers that release a heady jasmine-like scent at night. It’s easy to grow and a great way to bring evening fragrance to your garden.

Tip: Deadhead the flowers regularly to keep the blooms coming all season.

5. Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia)

If you want a dramatic statement plant, angel’s trumpet is it. This tropical beauty produces huge, pendulous white flowers that send out a strong, sweet scent at dusk.

Tip: Grow it in a large pot if you’re in a cooler climate and bring it inside for the winter.

6. Casablanca Lily (Lilium ‘Casablanca’)

Casablanca lilies bring big, fragrant, pure white blooms to your moon garden. These lilies smell divine in the evening, making them perfect for a garden designed to be enjoyed after dark.

Tip: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil and stake tall stems to keep them from flopping over.

7. Silver Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana)

Not all moon garden plants need to be flowers! The soft, silvery foliage of artemisia reflects the moonlight, making it a perfect backdrop for your night-blooming flowers.

Tip: Cut back in early spring to keep its rounded shape looking tidy.

8. White Evening Stock (Matthiola longipetala)

Looking for a night-blooming flower with an unforgettable scent? White evening stock might not be the flashiest flower, but what it lacks in showiness, it makes up for in fragrance. As the sun sets, these delicate blooms open, releasing a rich, clove-like perfume that fills the air.

Tip: Plant near patios or windows where you can enjoy its fragrance in the evening. It pairs beautifully with other moon garden favorites!

9. White Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’)

While not night-blooming, Annabelle hydrangeas glow in the moonlight with their large, white blooms. They create a soft, ethereal feel in the garden.

Tip: Cut back in early spring for stronger stems and bigger blooms.

10. White Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenias are fragrant powerhouses that bloom in late spring and summer. Their creamy white petals and rich perfume make them a stunning addition to a moon garden.

Tip: Gardenias love acidic soil, so consider adding coffee grounds or peat moss to the soil.

11. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)

Japanese anemones bring delicate, white, daisy-like flowers to the moon garden. They bloom in late summer and fall, keeping your night garden beautiful well into the cooler months.

Tip: They spread by underground rhizomes, so give them space to naturalize.

12. White Tulips (Tulipa)

Want a moon garden in spring? White tulips like ‘White Triumphator’ light up the garden even before summer’s night bloomers take over.

Tip: Plant tulip bulbs in fall for a stunning moon garden display in early spring.

Beyond Flowers: Making Your Moon Garden Extra Magical

A moon garden isn’t just about flowers—it’s about creating an entire atmosphere. Here are a few ways to take it to the next level:

Use Reflective Elements – White stones, silver garden ornaments like this fairy moon, or a small water feature can enhance the moonlit glow of your garden.

Add Soft Lighting – Solar lanterns, firefly lights, string lights, or candles add a soft, warm glow that won’t overpower the natural moonlight.

Incorporate Fragrant Herbs – Lavender, thyme, and rosemary add texture and scent to your moon garden, even if they don’t bloom at night.

Include a Seating Area – A simple bench or cozy chair makes your moon garden a place to actually sit and enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere.

Attract Night Pollinators – Many of these plants draw moths and nocturnal pollinators, adding another layer of life to your garden at night.

Your Nighttime Retreat Awaits

A moon garden is more than just a collection of flowers—it’s a whole new way to enjoy your outdoor space. Imagine sitting outside on a summer night, surrounded by fragrant blooms that come alive after dark, with the soft glow of white petals under the moonlight.

It’s an easy, low-maintenance way to bring beauty and relaxation into your evenings. Ready to start your own moon garden? Pick a few of these plants, add a cozy seat, and let the magic begin.

PIN IT For Later!