Transform your outdoor space into a magical evening escape with plants that come to life under the stars. Moon gardens are all about soft-colored flowers, silvery foliage, and lovely nighttime scents that help you unwind after sunset. These dreamy plants don’t just look great; they also support pollinators and add elegance after dark. From white blooms that glow under the moon to fragrant favorites that fill the air, every pick brings charm to twilight hours.
1. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Yellow flowers open in the evening and glow beautifully under soft light. This plant self-seeds easily and can naturalize in the garden. Its blooms attract bees, moths, and butterflies. It's tolerant of poor soil and drought once established. Use it along borders or mixed into wildflower beds. Its bright flowers bring a cheerful touch to dusky hours.
2. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
Huge white blooms unfurl at dusk and stay open into the night. Fast-growing and fragrant. These vines climb quickly and look stunning on fences or trellises. The large, trumpet-shaped flowers attract nighttime pollinators like moths. They need full sun and warm soil to thrive. Water regularly, but avoid soggy conditions
3. Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima)
Silvery leaves reflect moonlight and add contrast to darker greens. This foliage plant pairs beautifully with blooming companions. It's low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Plant it in sunny spots for the best leaf color. Great for edging paths or containers. The velvety texture adds softness to garden beds.
4. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Velvety, silver foliage adds soft texture and shimmers in low light. Lamb’s ear thrives in hot, dry conditions. It spreads gently and makes a lush groundcover. Kids love the touchable leaves, and deer tend to avoid them. Use it in borders or as a living mulch. It looks especially magical in moonlit gardens.
5. White Daffodils (Narcissus ‘Thalia’)
Elegant and lightly scented, they bring brightness to early spring nights. This heirloom variety is dependable and perennial. The clustered blooms nod gracefully on slender stems. They’re deer-resistant and grow well in sun or part shade. Let foliage die back naturally for stronger bulbs. Their soft glow is perfect for the start of the season.
6. Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
Mock orange offers clusters of white blooms with a citrusy fragrance that fills the evening air. Its romantic scent makes it a standout near patios or seating areas. This deciduous shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. It blooms in late spring to early summer and attracts pollinators. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage future blooms. Its crisp white flowers glow beautifully under moonlight, making it perfect for a night garden.
7. White Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’)
Charming heart-shaped flowers glow in the shade or evening light. Their arching stems add elegance to woodland or shady moon gardens. These plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and dappled light. They go dormant in midsummer, so pair with later bloomers for continuous interest. A gentle plant that thrives in cool, sheltered areas. Its white flowers seem to float in the moonlight.
8. Silver Artemisia (Artemisia ‘Silver Mound’)
Soft, mound-forming foliage catches the moonlight beautifully. Its silvery leaves create contrast and a soothing texture in the garden. It is extremely drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, and works well as a low hedge or filler between flowering plants. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Trim lightly to maintain its neat, compact shape.
9. White Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions in White’)
Feathery white blooms look like glowing clouds in the twilight. Astilbe loves moisture and part shade, making it great for wetter, shady corners. Its elegant plumes stand out beautifully under low lighting. Combine with ferns or hostas for a dreamy woodland effect. Deadhead to encourage longer blooming. Adds softness and height to any moonlit space.
10. Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Heavenly scented blooms open in the evening and fill the garden with fragrance. Jasmine climbs beautifully on fences, arches, or pergolas. Its delicate white flowers add romance and visual interest. Thrives in warm climates with plenty of sun. Keep pruned to encourage flowering and control growth. This plant is a moon garden, which is essential for its scent alone.
11. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’)
This ornamental grass has bright yellow-green blades that glow under moonlight. It thrives in part shade and adds flowing texture to garden borders. Japanese forest grass prefers moist, well-drained soil and cool conditions. Its graceful arching shape adds softness and movement to moonlit spaces. It pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and white-flowering plants. A perfect choice for shaded paths and quiet corners.
12. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Tiny white flowers form carpets that reflect light and smell like honey. This low-growing plant spreads gently along borders and between stepping stones. It’s fast-growing and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Use it as a living mulch around larger moon garden plants. It reblooms quickly if trimmed. Its fragrance and dainty size make it a delightful filler.
13. Silver Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ‘Argenteus’)
This culinary herb adds shimmer to herb gardens with its pale leaves and lovely scent. It's both beautiful and valuable. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and pollinator-friendly. Plant it in rocky or well-drained soils. It spreads in a tidy, low-growing mat that brightens the garden floor. Use it near paths for easy harvesting and moonlit sparkle.
14. White Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea ‘Alba’)
Tall, elegant spikes of white flowers catch the eye as light fades. These biennials self-seed freely and add vertical drama to shady corners. They thrive in partial shade and humus-rich soil. Foxgloves attract hummingbirds and bees while glowing gently in the dark. Wear gloves when planting; they’re toxic if ingested. Their towering blooms create a dreamy, fairytale feel.
15. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Big white blooms with golden centers light up borders and beds. These cheerful flowers are long-lasting and bloom in waves. They’re easy to grow and require little maintenance; deadhead for continuous blooms through summer. Shasta daisies love full sun and well-drained soil. Their classic look brightens the evening garden and pairs well with silver foliage.
16. Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
Colorful blooms open late in the day; try white or pale varieties for a glow effect. They release a delightful fragrance at dusk and continue into the night. Four o’clocks self-seed easily, making them great for long-term plantings. They thrive in full sun and are drought-tolerant once established. These easy-to-grow flowers attract moths and hummingbirds. Their bushy form adds structure and charm to moon gardens.
17. Nicotiana (Nicotiana alata)
Night-scented tobacco produces tubular white flowers that glow and smell sweet. The fragrance intensifies in the evening, drawing in moths and other night pollinators. These plants grow well in full sun or part shade and are a favorite for sensory and fragrance gardens. Water regularly and deadhead to prolong blooming. Nicotiana adds elegance and scent that lingers after sunset.
18. White Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Nivea’)
Delicate white flowers dance in the evening breeze. Their nodding, spurred blooms give a whimsical touch to shaded gardens. Columbines thrive in part shade and moist, well-drained soil. They're deer-resistant and attract hummingbirds. Pair them with hostas or ferns for layered interest. They naturalize easily, returning year after year.
19. Silver Sage (Salvia argentea)
Large, silvery leaves reflect moonlight and add dramatic texture. This biennial forms a stunning rosette and blooms in its second year. It prefers full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Silver sage is heat-tolerant and low-maintenance. Remove flower stalks to encourage more foliage growth. Its bold shape and color make it a standout in any moonlit setting.
20. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Creamy white flowers and heady fragrance make this a moon garden favorite. Gardenias bloom in warm weather and emit a rich, romantic scent. They prefer acidic soil and partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Gardenias need a bit more care, but are worth it for their beauty and aroma. Place them near patios or windows to fully enjoy their scent.
21. White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’)
Huge, glowing blooms add elegance and perfume to twilight gardens. These long-lived perennials thrive in full sun and rich soil. Their lush petals beautifully reflect soft light. White peonies are deer-resistant and offer a strong spring presence. Support their heavy blooms with stakes or cages. They pair wonderfully with silver foliage and early-blooming bulbs.
22. Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spiraea prunifolia)
Arching branches covered in tiny white blooms look magical by moonlight. This deciduous shrub blooms in early spring with a light, airy appearance. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun. Use it as a specimen plant or border filler. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain its graceful shape. Its cascading flowers glow softly in evening light.
23. White Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies')
Delicate white flowers flutter on airy stems like tiny butterflies in the breeze. This long-blooming perennial thrives in hot, sunny spots and blooms from late spring into fall. Gaura adds graceful movement to moonlit gardens and pairs beautifully with silver-foliaged plants. It's drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and easy to grow. The blooms glow softly in low light, making it a perfect evening accent. Cut back lightly to encourage fresh growth and continued flowering.
24. Silver Fern (Pteris argyraea)
Bright foliage with graceful fronds lights up shady moonlit spots. This fern is perfect for woodland moon gardens or container arrangements. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and filtered light. Pair with astilbes and hostas for layered texture. Protect from frost in colder climates. Its variegated leaves shimmer beautifully in low light.
25. White Anemone (Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’)
Long-lasting blooms shine in the evening and sway gently in the breeze. These late-blooming perennials add elegance to fall gardens. They thrive in part shade and well-drained soil. Anemones spread gently and return stronger each year. They pair well with ferns and silver-leaved companions. Their glowing petals extend your moon garden’s beauty into autumn.
Let Your Garden Glow
These moonlit plants bring glow, fragrance, and calm to your evenings outdoors. Whether you're sipping tea on the porch or hosting friends after sunset, a moon garden adds peaceful charm with almost no effort. Choose a mix of silvery foliage and pale blooms to keep your nights glowing naturally. Many of these plants are easy to grow and have low maintenance. Create your dreamy retreat by planting with light, texture, and scent in mind.