We see flowers that bloom in the light all the time, and they shut their feathery petals to become mere shells of themselves in the dark of the night. But not all of them shy away from the intimidating yet wondrous beauty of the darkness. Some of the most beautiful and mysterious flowers live and blossom under the majestic cover of night, and they are breathtaking sights to behold.
These night-blooming wonders transform their surroundings into unique nocturnal settings and capture our senses by filling the air with their sweet fragrance. In this article, we explore eight interesting night-blooming flowers, including Night Queen Flowers, Night Jasmine plants, and more. So, let’s embark on a journey to the world of flowers that yearn for the moonlight to blossom.
• Here is a list of 8 flowers that bloom in the dark
1. Queen of the Night Flower (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
The Queen of the Night Flower is a nocturnal bloomer scientifically known as Selenicereus grandiflorus. This beautiful cactus is native to tropical America and is a rather rare and exotic flower. The Night Queen’s large white trumpet-shaped flowers open only at night, giving off a sweet scent that can fill an entire garden.
With its intricate arrangement and exquisite scent, this flower is a very rare sight as it blooms on only one night of the year and in such a way that takes the breath of all onlookers away.
2. Night Jasmine Plant (Cestrum nocturnum)
The Night Blooming Jasmine Plant or Sestrum nocturnum is a beautiful shrub native to the Caribbean. This aromatic plant is bred for its small white root-like flowers that give off a strong, pleasant scent after the sun goes down. Night Jasmine flowers are attractive to butterflies and other nocturnal pollinators, making them a true symbol of the garden at night. They become full-bloom flowers at night time.
The myth attached to these flowers is a very refreshing yet sad story as in this story, the shrub housing the flowers was actually a princess who fell in love with the Sun. But she was deserted and left heartbroken, to which she responded by burning herself. The flowers were then said to have arisen from her ashes. This is why the flowers bloom only at night, as they cannot tolerate the Sun that rejected them.
3. Night-Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala)
The Night-Scented Stock, or Matthiola longipetala, is a fragrant annual flower that graces the night garden with its sweet, captivating aroma. Native to the Mediterranean region, this lovely flower has become a favorite for evening and moon gardens around the world. What sets the Night-Scented Stock apart is its delicate appearance and the fact that it only releases its fragrance after the sun sets.
The fragrance of this flower is so complex and memorable that anyone who smells it has compared it to vanilla, rose, spices, and cloves. The scent is a mixture of sweet and spicy which makes it hard to comprehend but very easy to remember.
4. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
Moonflower or Ipomoya Alba is a vine that bears large trumpet-shaped flowers that open at night, allowing the garden to house its glowing beauty. These flowers are named because they seem to glow in the moonlight, attracting night flying insects. Moonflowers are often used to add a bit of magic to gardens under the illuminating moonlight.
5. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Evening Primrose, Oenothera Biennis, is known for its beautiful yellow flowers that bloom at sunset. This plant blooms during the day and is spectacular until nightfall. It is not only used as a wonderful ingredient but also makes for a valuable medicinal compound used in traditional herbal medicine.
6. Night Phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis)
Native to South Africa, Night Phlox or Zalujianskya capensis is an interesting perennial plant known for its small, star-shaped flowers. These flowers open in the evening and give off a lovely sweet scent. Nocturnal phlox is often called the "midnight dessert" because of its irresistible aroma and beauty.
The Night Phlox is known for its unparalleled ability to attract moths, creating a wonderful synergy between nighttime flora and fauna.
7. Angel Trumpet (Brugmansia suaveolens)
Angel trumpet or Brugmansia sueveolens is a shrub with pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers up to a foot long. These exotic and fragrant flowers are primarily nocturnal, releasing their sweet and intoxicating fragrance when the light turns to dark. However, since all parts of this plant are poisonous when eaten, caution is required.
8. Brahma Lotus (Saussurea obvallata)
The Brahma lotus, scientifically known as Saussurea Obulata, is a mysterious flower of the Himalayas. It is a rare and sacred night flowering plant. The white flowers of this ethereal flower are stunning and are associated with various myths and legends of the region. Many say that the kamal was used by to create the universe, it was what crafted the intricate details of this world we see and it’s what gave us life. Additionally, there are also legends that claim Brahma was born from a lotus, which gives this flower its beloved name.
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In the plant world, night is not a time of rest but of magic. Night Queen, Night Jasmine, evening primrose, night phlox, angel trumpet, and brahma lotus are just a few examples of beautiful flowers that open in the moonlight. Whether you are an enthusiastic night gardener or you just want to visit places to witness the magical blossoming of these insomniac.
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