Flowers That Bloom At Night
Flowers that bloom at night, often referred to as “moonflowers” or “night-blooming flowers,” have evolved this unique trait to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats. Here are some notable examples:
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Moonflower (Ipomoea alba): These large, white or pale pink flowers open in the evening and close by morning, releasing a sweet fragrance to attract night pollinators.
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Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis): Known for its bright yellow flowers, the evening primrose opens at dusk and closes by midday. It is often pollinated by moths and other nocturnal insects.
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Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum): This plant releases a powerful fragrance at night when its small, tubular flowers open. Despite its name, it is not a true jasmine.
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Queen of the Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus): This cactus produces large, fragrant white flowers that bloom for a single night. It’s sometimes called the “night-blooming cereus.”
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Night Phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis): Also known as “midnight candy,” these flowers open in the evening and release a sweet, honey-like fragrance.
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Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa): These flowers open in late afternoon or early evening and come in a variety of colors. They often remain open until the next morning.
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Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata): A rare flower native to the Himalayas, it blooms at night and is highly valued in traditional and spiritual contexts.
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Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa): Known for its strong, pleasant fragrance, tuberose flowers open at night and are commonly used in the perfume industry.
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Nottingham Catchfly (Silene nutans): These small, white flowers emit a sweet fragrance at night to attract moths.
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Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia): These large, pendulous flowers are often fragrant at night and can come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and pink.
These night-blooming flowers have their own unique charm and are especially appreciated for their fragrances and the nocturnal pollinators they attract.