Some flowers wait for the sun to go down before they show off their best side. When the air cools and the garden settles into dusk, these night-blooming flowers come alive—releasing scents so rich and unforgettable, they can turn any summer evening into a scene from a romance movie. If you’ve ever walked outside at twilight and caught a mysterious, sweet fragrance, chances are one of these evening bloomers was the source.
These aren’t just pretty petals either—they’re the ultimate hot-weather survivors. From the legendary moonflower to the surprisingly bold night-scented stock, each of these 17 flowers doesn’t just thrive in summer heat, but saves its most intense perfume for when the stars come out. That means your garden or balcony can become an after-dark paradise, filled with blooms that seem to glow and scents that linger well into the night.
Whether you want to impress guests with tropical nighttime jasmine, enjoy a quiet cup of tea surrounded by scented nicotiana, or simply plant flowers that love the same time of day you do, this list has you covered. These 17 fragrant beauties make your summer garden smell like magic—and they do it all when most other flowers are calling it a night.
Jasmine
Jasmine is often romanticized in literature and songs, and for good reason. Its intoxicating fragrance can fill the air on a summer’s night, creating an ambiance of enchantment. Known for their creamy white blossoms, these flowers bloom strongest in the evening, releasing a heady perfume that can travel over great distances.
Ideal for trellises or pots, jasmine is a versatile plant that can be grown in various climates. It thrives in warm, humid environments, making it perfect for summer nights. Historically, jasmine has been used in perfumes and teas, adding a touch of elegance to both.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle, with its sweet-scented nectar, is a favorite among moths and night pollinators. Its tubular flowers are not only beautiful but also exude a fragrance that intensifies as the sun sets. Often climbing over fences and arbors, honeysuckle brings a wild, romantic allure to any garden.
Aside from its olfactory appeal, honeysuckle is known for its medicinal properties, having been used in traditional remedies. Its resilience and rapid growth make it an excellent choice for covering unsightly garden structures, adding a splash of color and fragrance overnight.
Gardenia
Renowned for their opulent scent and pristine white petals, gardenias are a staple in southern gardens. Their fragrance is richly layered, reminiscent of a sweet, creamy perfume. Blooming primarily in the evening, gardenias add an elegant touch to any nighttime garden setting.
Gardenias are often associated with weddings and romance, representing purity and love. They may require a bit more care, thriving best in acidic, well-drained soil. However, their heavenly scent makes any effort worthwhile, offering a sensory experience like no other on summer nights.
Evening Primrose
Evening primroses unfurl their petals as the day turns to night, releasing a subtle, sweet fragrance. These delicate yellow flowers are a sight to behold, creating a serene atmosphere in any garden. Their ability to bloom in the evening makes them stand out among other daytime bloomers.
Not just a pretty flower, evening primrose has been used for its oil, which is believed to have health benefits. This plant is easy to grow, adapting well to different soil types and conditions, making it a wonderful addition for those seeking minimal maintenance with maximum reward.
Moonflower
Moonflowers are aptly named, as these delicate blooms resemble the soft glow of the moon. Opening at dusk, their large, trumpet-shaped flowers release a mildly sweet fragrance that captivates night wanderers. They give any garden a mystical quality under the stars.
These flowers are perfect for climbers, adding height and drama to fences and trellises. Moonflowers prefer warm, tropical climates and well-drained soil. Though they require full sun during the day, their nightly bloom is a rewarding spectacle, transforming ordinary spaces into magical nighttime retreats.
Night-Blooming Cereus
Often referred to as the “Queen of the Night,” this elusive cactus blooms only once a year, and always at night. The cereus’ large, white flowers emit an enchanting fragrance that draws in admirers for miles around.
Native to desert regions, it thrives in dry, arid conditions, making it a unique addition to any garden looking for a touch of the exotic. Despite its rarity, when it does bloom, it offers an unforgettable experience, with its fleeting beauty and powerful scent making it well worth the wait.
Tuberose
Tuberose is a classic, often used in perfumery for its complex, heady fragrance. These waxy, white flowers bloom in clusters, releasing a scent that deepens as the night progresses. It’s no wonder they are a popular choice for moonlit gardens.
Originating from Mexico, tuberose thrives in warm, tropical climates. It’s a bulbous plant that requires full sun and well-drained soil. For those looking to create a scented paradise, tuberose is a must-have, offering a rich aroma that lingers long after the sun has set.
Brugmansia
Brugmansia, commonly known as angel’s trumpet, is famous for its large, pendulous flowers that emit a potent fragrance. These blooms become particularly aromatic during warm summer nights, providing a sensory delight as they sway gently in the breeze.
Native to South America, brugmansia thrives in warm climates and requires plenty of sunlight. It’s a showstopper in any garden, not only for its scent but also for its striking appearance. However, caution is advised, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Four O’Clock
Four O’Clocks are aptly named for their late afternoon bloom, continuing into the evening with a pleasant, citrusy fragrance. These vibrant flowers come in a variety of colors, adding a cheerful touch to any garden as daylight fades.
The plant is easy to grow from seed, thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Its resilience and vibrant blooms make it a favorite among gardeners looking for low-maintenance yet rewarding options. As the sun sets, Four O’Clocks create a tapestry of color and scent, inviting evening delight.
Night Phlox
Night phlox, also known as midnight candy, releases a deliciously sweet scent reminiscent of honey and vanilla. This charming plant’s flowers are star-shaped, attracting attention with their subtle beauty and intoxicating aroma.
Native to South Africa, it prospers in sunny, well-drained conditions. Night phlox is perfect for garden borders or containers, offering a simple yet effective way to enhance the nocturnal atmosphere. The plant’s fragrance is most potent at night, creating an inviting and soothing environment for evening relaxation.
Angel’s Trumpet
Angel’s trumpet, distinct from its brugmansia cousin, captivates with its massive, trumpet-like blooms and intoxicating scent. These flowers open as the sun sets, filling the air with their alluring fragrance.
Native to tropical regions, angel’s trumpet flourishes in warm, humid climates. It’s a horticultural marvel that can transform any outdoor space into a fragrant fairyland. While breathtakingly beautiful, it’s important to remember that the plant is toxic, so it should be handled with care, especially around pets and children.
Japanese Wisteria
Wisteria is synonymous with romantic garden settings, and the Japanese variety is particularly noted for its sweet aroma. As evening descends, its purple blossoms become especially fragrant, draping elegantly over arbors and pergolas.
This deciduous vine thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, growing vigorously and producing spectacular floral displays. Japanese wisteria is a showpiece in any garden, offering both visual and olfactory pleasure, with its cascading flowers creating a mystical and inviting atmosphere as night falls.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is a charming ground cover that delights with its honey-like fragrance. The tiny, delicate flowers bloom profusely, carpeting the garden with their soft white or purple hues.
This plant is incredibly easy to grow, thriving in a variety of conditions but preferring cooler evenings for its scent to fully develop. Sweet alyssum is a fantastic choice for edging borders or filling spaces between larger plants, offering a delightful aroma that becomes more pronounced as the sun sets, making summer nights all the sweeter.
Datura
Known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, datura, or “devil’s trumpet,” emits a sweet fragrance that intensifies during nighttime. Its blooms are a magnet for moths and other nocturnal pollinators.
Datura is both beautiful and intriguing, often seen as a mystical addition to gardens. However, caution is needed as the plant is toxic if ingested. It prefers sunny locations and well-drained soil, flourishing in warmer climates. The enchanting scent and stunning blooms make datura a captivating choice for night gardens, albeit one that requires careful handling.
Night Scented Stock
Night scented stock offers an understated elegance with its pastel-colored blooms and sweet, clove-like scent. As the name suggests, its fragrance is most pronounced during the evening, providing a subtle yet evocative aroma.
This annual plant is easy to cultivate, preferring cooler climates and well-drained soil. It’s perfect for garden borders or pots, adding a delicate touch to any landscape. The soothing scent of night scented stock enhances the tranquility of any outdoor space, inviting you to relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of a summer night.
Chocolate Flower
The chocolate flower, or Berlandiera lyrata, is a unique addition to any garden, releasing a delightful chocolatey fragrance as evening descends. These daisy-like yellow blooms thrive in sunny, arid conditions, making them a standout in desert landscapes.
Native to the Southwestern United States, the chocolate flower is drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Its cocoa scent is strongest at night, offering a whimsical twist to fragrance gardens. This plant is perfect for those seeking something different, bringing a playful yet sophisticated aroma to your summer evening sanctuary.