On the Night Shift: Gardens That Dazzle After Dark
Give scented plants a starring role in your garden to liven up your outdoor space after dark
As 19th-century author Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, “Cultivate the garden for the nose, and the eyes will take care of themselves”. Fragrant, night-active plants greatly extend the pleasure of an evening spent outdoors – there’s nothing quite like relaxing outside after the day’s work is done and letting the garden work its sweetly scented magic on you. Here are some plant varieties ideal for waking up your garden’s nighttime aromas.
Flirty frangipani
Frangipani (Plumeria) is loved for the delicate spirals of its creamy, hot-pink or peachy flowers, well-proportioned trees, shapely leaves and, of course, its enticing scent. For many, just a whiff is enough to evoke memories of tropical holidays, pina coladas and warm summer nights. Fallen flowers floating in a bowl make for an exotic table centrepiece.
Frangipanis are flirts. They flaunt their pale blooms and seductive perfume, but moths seeking nectar are disappointed, as frangipanis have none. Pollination occurs when moths go from flower to flower fruitlessly seeking nectar, carrying pollen dust on their bodies.
Frangipani (Plumeria) is loved for the delicate spirals of its creamy, hot-pink or peachy flowers, well-proportioned trees, shapely leaves and, of course, its enticing scent. For many, just a whiff is enough to evoke memories of tropical holidays, pina coladas and warm summer nights. Fallen flowers floating in a bowl make for an exotic table centrepiece.
Frangipanis are flirts. They flaunt their pale blooms and seductive perfume, but moths seeking nectar are disappointed, as frangipanis have none. Pollination occurs when moths go from flower to flower fruitlessly seeking nectar, carrying pollen dust on their bodies.
Frangipanis like warmth and can be grown as far south as Sydney and Perth, especially in coastal areas. Planting them against a heat-holding wall in a north-facing position helps them flourish in colder inland spots. Be sure to protect from frost.
Fragrant fact: In the 16th century, the Italian Marquis Frangipani created a perfume to scent ladies’ gloves. When a tree was discovered to have a similar perfume, it was named after the Marquis.
Fragrant fact: In the 16th century, the Italian Marquis Frangipani created a perfume to scent ladies’ gloves. When a tree was discovered to have a similar perfume, it was named after the Marquis.
Magic magnolia
Magnolia is a fragrant and feminine spring-blooming charmer. Flowers vary from plate-sized waxy white southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and deep crimson varieties, to pale pink or yellow-tinged ones. There are many varieties, some that suit hedging and others that grow to imposing heights. Magnolias are slow-growing but worth the wait. Some say their scent is an addictive medley of citrus, ripe berries, chewing gum, bananas and vintage port.
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Magnolia is a fragrant and feminine spring-blooming charmer. Flowers vary from plate-sized waxy white southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and deep crimson varieties, to pale pink or yellow-tinged ones. There are many varieties, some that suit hedging and others that grow to imposing heights. Magnolias are slow-growing but worth the wait. Some say their scent is an addictive medley of citrus, ripe berries, chewing gum, bananas and vintage port.
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For a smaller garden, star magnolia (Magnolia stellata, above) is a good choice as it stays under 3 metres. Julia Levitt from Sticks and Stones Landscaping recommends port wine magnolia (Michelia figo) as a good hedging shrub. “You might walk past it and smell bubblegum in the air and only then notice the small flowers,” she says. It’s a dense, slow-growing evergreen that likes full or part sun.
Dependable jasmine
When we think of jasmine, delicately scented star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) invariably comes to mind. It’s a versatile and fast-growing climber for fences, pergolas and tree trunks, and is a wonderful way to scent your garden at night. Jasmine is hardy enough to tolerate most conditions, says Levitt, but it does best in full sun.
When we think of jasmine, delicately scented star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) invariably comes to mind. It’s a versatile and fast-growing climber for fences, pergolas and tree trunks, and is a wonderful way to scent your garden at night. Jasmine is hardy enough to tolerate most conditions, says Levitt, but it does best in full sun.
Although not a true jasmine, yellow jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a gorgeous sun-loving long-bloomer. This beautiful and vigorous climber has a dainty scent, almost like baby powder. It suits most Australian climates and is not invasive like some jasmine climbers. Give it full sun, moderate water and moist, rich soil.
Tip: Yellow jasmine is toxic to humans and animals if eaten. Always wear gloves when pruning as the sap is an irritant.
Tip: Yellow jasmine is toxic to humans and animals if eaten. Always wear gloves when pruning as the sap is an irritant.
Gorgeous gardenias
Gardenias are known for their heady, sultry perfume, creamy white flowers and glossy leaves. Gardenias’ scent is even more intoxicating after dark when the pale flowers guide night-flying moths onto their large, flat petals.
Gardenias grow best where the nights are warm and day temperatures are consistently between 21 and 24°C. They prefer semi-shade.
Tip: Don’t mass gardenias too densely around an eating area as the scent can be overpowering. Instead, consider lining a front path to create an aromatic welcome.
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Gardenias are known for their heady, sultry perfume, creamy white flowers and glossy leaves. Gardenias’ scent is even more intoxicating after dark when the pale flowers guide night-flying moths onto their large, flat petals.
Gardenias grow best where the nights are warm and day temperatures are consistently between 21 and 24°C. They prefer semi-shade.
Tip: Don’t mass gardenias too densely around an eating area as the scent can be overpowering. Instead, consider lining a front path to create an aromatic welcome.
A Landscape Architect Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
Come-hither heliotrope
Fancy a whiff of vanilla or cherry pie? Heliotropes (Heliotropium) are an old-fashioned annual favoured for cottage-style gardens. The word ‘heliotropic’ means ‘following the sun’ and this sweet flower does just that. It loves lots of sun and warmth and is drought tolerant. Colours range from deep purple and pale lavender to white. They can be grown from seed and propagated by cuttings, and release a delightful nighttime perfume.
Fancy a whiff of vanilla or cherry pie? Heliotropes (Heliotropium) are an old-fashioned annual favoured for cottage-style gardens. The word ‘heliotropic’ means ‘following the sun’ and this sweet flower does just that. It loves lots of sun and warmth and is drought tolerant. Colours range from deep purple and pale lavender to white. They can be grown from seed and propagated by cuttings, and release a delightful nighttime perfume.
Addictive nicotiana
Ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana) plants – which are not used to make tobacco products – can make an appealing addition to your garden. Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) is a tall, imposing shrub with pendulous snowy flowers and a scent reminiscent of tuberose and jasmine. Nicotiana alata ‘Lime Green’ is more lightly perfumed. Nicotiana is highly attractive to moths, but toxic to pets and livestock.
Ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana) plants – which are not used to make tobacco products – can make an appealing addition to your garden. Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) is a tall, imposing shrub with pendulous snowy flowers and a scent reminiscent of tuberose and jasmine. Nicotiana alata ‘Lime Green’ is more lightly perfumed. Nicotiana is highly attractive to moths, but toxic to pets and livestock.
Nicotianas are cool-climate plants, most suitable for areas south of Brisbane. They can be grown as annuals or perennials, and in dwarf form or as tall as 1.5 metres. They are frost-sensitive and like well-drained soil and wind protection. Accentuate the curve of a pathway with a mass of their drooping tubular flowers and attractive foliage.
Perfect petunias
Many petunia breeders have sacrificed scent for showy colours, but there are several varieties that are strongly perfumed, especially after nightfall. Older strains of purples, pinks and whites are generally the most aromatic – seek out scented Petunia ‘Tumbelina’ varieties. They make a lovely show in window boxes or hanging containers. Grow under an open window and let the sweet vanilla or spicy clove scents waft inside after dark.
Many petunia breeders have sacrificed scent for showy colours, but there are several varieties that are strongly perfumed, especially after nightfall. Older strains of purples, pinks and whites are generally the most aromatic – seek out scented Petunia ‘Tumbelina’ varieties. They make a lovely show in window boxes or hanging containers. Grow under an open window and let the sweet vanilla or spicy clove scents waft inside after dark.
Petunias are hardy, sun-loving annuals or perennials, depending on the variety, and may flower for much of the year. Give them plenty of water, good drainage and pinch back spent flowers. Pot a single colour with contrasting foliage and let them sprawl over a container, or mass them in a riot of vibrant shades mixed with white for an exuberant daytime display.
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Dazzling dianthus
Dianthus flowers have pretty fringed petals and a sweetly spicy scent with hints of cloves. They come in many colours, including a snowy white that looks stunning in a night garden. They love lots of sun and well-drained soils, and they tolerate dry conditions.
Dianthus flowers have pretty fringed petals and a sweetly spicy scent with hints of cloves. They come in many colours, including a snowy white that looks stunning in a night garden. They love lots of sun and well-drained soils, and they tolerate dry conditions.
Evening primrose
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is one tough perennial, with crumpled satiny flowers in bright yellow, pink or white that show up well against long spiked foliage. A flowering herb that blooms profusely in beds and borders, it will spread aggressively if allowed. It has a light lemon scent and is happy in sandy coastal soils, full sun or light shade with low to medium moisture levels.
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is one tough perennial, with crumpled satiny flowers in bright yellow, pink or white that show up well against long spiked foliage. A flowering herb that blooms profusely in beds and borders, it will spread aggressively if allowed. It has a light lemon scent and is happy in sandy coastal soils, full sun or light shade with low to medium moisture levels.
All white on the night
Many night bloomers evolved to be pale and pastel-toned, but there are other plants that look dressy in low light. Levitt recommends silver snakeplant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine‘) a hardy low-maintenance cultivar of mother-in-law’s tongue, pewter bush (Strobilanthes gossypinus), with its furry silver foliage, and Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, a fantastic spill-over plant for garden beds and pots. Others to try are softly reflective lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) and hostas with high-contrast leaf variegations, such as this gorgeous Hosta ‘Sagae’.
Many night bloomers evolved to be pale and pastel-toned, but there are other plants that look dressy in low light. Levitt recommends silver snakeplant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine‘) a hardy low-maintenance cultivar of mother-in-law’s tongue, pewter bush (Strobilanthes gossypinus), with its furry silver foliage, and Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, a fantastic spill-over plant for garden beds and pots. Others to try are softly reflective lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) and hostas with high-contrast leaf variegations, such as this gorgeous Hosta ‘Sagae’.
Perfume power
When planting for scent, you may find a single stunning scent in a specific spot has more impact than a blur of different fragrances. Create ‘perfume rooms’ – an elusive waft of nicotiana passed by on a path, a jasmine-covered wall, petunias cascading from pots around an outdoor area or a frangipani shading a garden bench are ways to let the flowers you choose mark their territory.
Tell us
Do you have a favourite night- blooming plant in your garden? Share your care tips with us in the Comments section and join the conversation.
More
Find a landscape architect or designer near you
When planting for scent, you may find a single stunning scent in a specific spot has more impact than a blur of different fragrances. Create ‘perfume rooms’ – an elusive waft of nicotiana passed by on a path, a jasmine-covered wall, petunias cascading from pots around an outdoor area or a frangipani shading a garden bench are ways to let the flowers you choose mark their territory.
Tell us
Do you have a favourite night- blooming plant in your garden? Share your care tips with us in the Comments section and join the conversation.
More
Find a landscape architect or designer near you
Nighttime is the right time for moths, bats, tree-dwelling rodents such as possums, and beetles. As they feed on nectar after dark, they act as a delivery service by brushing against pollen and carrying it to other plants.
Flowers that open at dusk and release scent in the dark hours have evolved in concert with these night-active pollinators to ensure their mutual survival. Bright colours attract daytime insects and birds, but night-active flowers rely on scent to lure creatures more attuned to aromas. Here’s a selection of fragrant favourites.