A moon garden is a magical outdoor space designed to be enjoyed in the evening, glowing softly under the light of the moon. These gardens are typically filled with white, silver, and pale-colored flowers and foliage that reflect moonlight, along with fragrant blooms that release their scents at night. If you’re looking to create a serene, enchanting atmosphere in your yard after sundown, these 10 moon garden plants will help you transform your space into an ethereal nighttime retreat.
1. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
The Moonflower is a must-have for any moon garden. These stunning, fast-growing vines produce large, pure white, trumpet-shaped flowers that unfurl at dusk and remain open through the night. As their delicate petals glow under moonlight, they release a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that fills the evening air. Perfect for trellises, fences, or pergolas, Moonflowers thrive in warm climates and require full sun to partial shade. With their lush green foliage and luminous blooms, they create a truly romantic and whimsical garden ambiance.
2. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Known for its luminous yellow blooms that open at twilight, Evening Primrose adds a bright, cheerful touch to moon gardens. These hardy perennials bloom from late spring to fall, with each flower lasting just one night before withering in the morning sun. Evening Primrose is also cherished for its herbal and medicinal properties. Its tall, graceful stems and gentle, lemony scent attract nighttime pollinators like moths, making it both beautiful and beneficial. Plant it in borders or mixed beds for a golden evening glow.
3. Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia)
Angel’s Trumpet is a showstopper with its enormous, pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of white, cream, or pale pink. These blooms release a strong, sweet fragrance after dusk, creating a heady, romantic atmosphere. Ideal for containers or garden beds, this tropical plant flourishes in warm climates and can grow into a small tree or large shrub. Its dramatic, otherworldly appearance makes it perfect for moon gardens, where its blooms seem to shimmer in the moonlight. Just remember, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
4. Night Phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis)
Also known as Midnight Candy, Night Phlox boasts small, starry white flowers that release a powerful, honey-almond fragrance after sunset. These charming blooms are an excellent addition to moon gardens, providing both beauty and delightful scent. Night Phlox is a compact, easy-to-grow annual that thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Its flowers open in the evening, attracting nocturnal pollinators while creating a soft, glowing carpet of blossoms. Plant them near seating areas or pathways to enjoy their captivating nighttime aroma.
5. Jasmine (Jasminum species)
No moon garden is complete without the alluring fragrance of Jasmine. With its clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers, Jasmine releases its sweet, exotic scent most intensely in the evening. Several varieties, such as Arabian Jasmine or Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), are particularly prized for moon gardens. These plants can be trained on trellises, walls, or grown in containers, making them versatile additions to any outdoor space. Their delicate blooms seem to glow under moonlight, adding romance and serenity to evening hours.
6. White Datura (Datura inoxia)
White Datura, often called Devil’s Trumpet, is another striking addition to evening gardens. Its large, upward-facing, trumpet-shaped flowers are pure white and emit a powerful, sweet fragrance after dusk. These annuals or tender perennials thrive in sunny, well-drained spots and can quickly fill a garden bed with their lush foliage and dramatic blossoms. While undeniably beautiful and perfect for moon gardens, it’s important to handle Datura with care, as all parts of the plant are toxic. Its mystical beauty and heady scent make it a captivating nighttime feature.
7. Silver Artemisia (Artemisia ludoviciana)
For foliage that shimmers in the moonlight, Silver Artemisia is an excellent choice. This perennial herb features silvery-gray, finely textured leaves that glow softly under evening skies. While its flowers are modest, the foliage is the real star, adding a ghostly, ethereal quality to garden beds and borders. Silver Artemisia is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, well-drained soils, making it a low-maintenance option for moon gardens. Its subtly aromatic leaves also repel pests, adding practical benefits to its visual appeal.
8. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s Ear is another foliage plant perfect for moon gardens, offering soft, velvety, silver-gray leaves that reflect moonlight beautifully. This hardy, drought-tolerant perennial forms low, spreading clumps, creating a soothing, tactile groundcover. Its fuzzy leaves invite touch, while its silvery sheen adds visual contrast to evening garden scenes. In late spring to summer, it sends up spikes of small purple flowers, but it’s the foliage that truly shines in moon gardens. Plant it along pathways or around flower beds for a silvery, magical border.
9. Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
As their name suggests, Four O’Clocks bloom in the late afternoon and remain open through the night, filling the air with a delightful, citrus-like fragrance. These easy-to-grow annuals produce trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, and bi-color patterns, making them perfect for adding soft color to moon gardens. White or pale varieties work especially well for evening ambiance. Four O’Clocks attract night pollinators and reseed freely, ensuring a steady display year after year. Plant them near patios or windows for maximum enjoyment.
10. White Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’)
The White Bleeding Heart is a graceful, shade-loving perennial ideal for moon gardens with dappled light or evening shadows. Its arching stems bear delicate, heart-shaped, white flowers in late spring and early summer. These luminous blooms appear almost pearlescent under moonlight, creating a romantic, fairy-tale effect in shaded garden corners. Paired with silver-leaved plants or ferns, White Bleeding Heart adds elegance and charm to nighttime garden scenes. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is perfect for woodland or cottage-style moon gardens.