A Moon Garden is designed to be enjoyed primarily at night, utilizing plants with light-colored flowers, silvery foliage, and fragrant blooms that shine or stand out under moonlight. Here are 10 of the best plants to include in a Moon Garden, along with descriptions of each:
List of 10 Moon Gardens | How to Grow
1. Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
- Description: Night-blooming jasmine is a shrub that produces small, tubular greenish-yellow flowers. These blooms open at dusk and release an intense fragrance that fills the garden at night.
- How to Grow: Night-blooming jasmine prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It thrives in well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or as a shrub in the garden.
- Care: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but well-drained. Prune after blooming to maintain shape. Feed the plant every four weeks throughout the growing season.
2. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
- Description: This vine has large, fragrant white flowers shaped like a trumpet that bloom in the evening and last until dawn. It’s a fast-growing, climbing plant, perfect for trellises or fences.
- How to Grow: Moonflowers require full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in the spring, after the last frost, to give them the best chance to grow. The vines need a trellis or support to climb.
- Care: Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture. Moonflowers thrive with moderate to frequent watering. Fertilize monthly to encourage strong growth.
3. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
- Description: This perennial has bright yellow, saucer-shaped flowers that bloom at night. The blooms attract moths and other pollinators. Evening primrose can spread easily, so it’s great for filling garden spaces.
- How to Grow: Evening primrose does best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly sandy soil. It’s a hardy plant that can be grown from seed or transplanted as a young plant.
- Care: Water sparingly, letting the soil dry out before watering again. Trim the plant after it finishes flowering to maintain a compact shape and prevent legginess. Fertilizing is usually not necessary for this drought-tolerant plant.
4. Lunar Leucanthemum (Leucanthemum x superbum)
- Description: Late summer brings the blooms of this elegant white daisy variety. The bright white petals and yellow centers shine under the moonlight.
- How to Grow: Grow lunar Leucanthemum in full sun and well-drained soil. These daisies are hardy and can tolerate poor soil conditions, but they thrive best with regular watering.
- Care: Give plants a deep soak occasionally to help roots grow deeper. Deadhead spent blooms to promote new flowers and keep the plant looking tidy. Add compost or a balanced fertilizer at the start of spring to support healthy growth.
5. Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia)
- Description: Known for its large, trumpet-shaped white or pastel-colored blooms, Angel’s trumpet opens at night and releases a strong, sweet fragrance. This plant has a dramatic look and is often grown in containers.
- How to Grow: Grow angel’s trumpet in full sunlight and soil that is rich and well-draining. It can be grown as a shrub or small tree, and it thrives in tropical or subtropical climates.
- Care: Water frequently to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Trim regularly to eliminate dead or infected branches. For best growth, apply slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
6. White Rose (Rosa spp.)
- Description: White roses are elegant and perfect for a moon garden due to their soft, glowing petals and subtle fragrance. They add a touch of classic beauty to any moonlit space.
- How to Grow: White roses require full sun and well-drained slightly acidic soil. Plant them in spring after the frost has passed, ensuring they have enough space to grow.
- Care: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune in early spring to shape the bush and remove any dead or diseased wood. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season with a rose-specific fertilizer.
7. Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana)
- Description: This low-growing perennial has silvery-gray foliage that glows under the moon. It is primarily grown for its striking color rather than flowers.
- How to Grow: Artemisia thrives in full sun and well-drained, dry soil. It’s drought-tolerant and can be grown as ground cover or in rock gardens.
- Care: Water sparingly once established. Deadhead or prune back in late winter to maintain shape. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, as it prefers poor soil.
8. Datura (Datura spp.)
- Description: Datura, also known as “angel’s trumpet,” produces large, funnel-shaped flowers that open in the evening, releasing a strong fragrance. The flowers are typically white, though some varieties are purple or yellow.
- How to Grow: Datura grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It’s a fast-growing plant that needs ample space to spread.
- Care: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Datura thrives in moderate moisture but dislikes being waterlogged. Prune spent flowers and fertilize in spring to encourage growth.
9. Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)
- Description: Hellebores, also called ‘Lenten Roses,’ bloom in pale colors like white or greenish-pink, adding a serene, gentle beauty to the moon garden.
- How to Grow: Hellebores thrive in partial to full shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil. They’re perfect for cool climates and work well as understory plants beneath taller perennials or shrubs.
- Care: Water consistently, but make sure the soil drains well. Use mulch in winter to help protect the roots from extreme cold. Remove spent blooms and foliage to encourage new growth.
10. Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)
- Description: This vigorous vine produces masses of small, white star-like flowers in late summer to fall. It’s fragrant and perfect for covering fences, trellises, or walls.
- How to Grow: Sweet Autumn Clematis thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. It is a fast-growing vine, so provide it with a sturdy support structure.
- Care: Water regularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Prune back old growth in early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to give plants a strong start.
General Care Tips for Moon Garden Plants:
- Watering: Make sure to water plants according to their individual requirements. Some, like the Moonflower and Night-Blooming Jasmine, prefer consistent moisture, while others, like Silver Mound Artemisia, are more drought-tolerant.
- Sunlight: Most Moon Garden plants thrive in full sun or partial shade, but be sure to check individual plant preferences.
- Pruning: Regular pruning, particularly after flowering, helps encourage new growth and keeps plants tidy.
- Fertilizing: Some plants, such as roses and Angel’s Trumpet, benefit from periodic feeding, while others like Artemisia need little to no fertilizer.
These Moon Garden plants not only shine under the light of the moon but are also relatively easy to grow with the right care. Enjoy the magical ambiance they create as they bloom and fragrance your evening garden!