Ever step outside after dinner and wish your garden smelled as amazing as it does during the day?
I used to feel the same way until I found these 7 plants that smell absolutely wonderful at night!
Now my backyard is my favorite place to relax in the evening, and I can’t wait to share these with you.
1. Angel’s Trumpet
Oh my goodness, if you want drama in your garden, Angel’s Trumpet is your girl! I have mine in a large container by our patio, and the trumpet-shaped blooms are absolutely spectacular – we’re talking massive 30-centimeter flowers in the most gorgeous shades from pure white to soft orange and red.
Being from South America, these beauties need some TLC in colder climates. I learned this the hard way my first year! Now I wheel my pot into our heated garage for winter.
Quick safety note: While stunning, all parts are poisonous, so I keep this one well away from where my little ones play. It’s perfect against walls or under eaves where you can enjoy the incredible evening fragrance from a safe distance.
2. Evening Primrose
This hardy native is my go-to for those tricky spots where nothing else seems to grow. The white to pink blooms have become a family favorite – my kids love watching them pop open at dusk!
I’ve planted these champions in our rocky side yard where they’re thriving with practically zero maintenance. Just give them plenty of sunshine, and they’ll reward you with the most delightful evening perfume.
3. Gardenia
My grandmother always had gardenias, and now I understand why. These glossy-leaved beauties from Asia produce the most amazing single or double white flowers that smell like heaven itself.
I’ve got mine in raised beds with rich, fast-draining soil (they can be a bit picky about their growing conditions). Some of my gardening friends use them as privacy screens, but I prefer them in containers where I can fuss over them properly.
4. Heliotrope
This Peruvian charmer has become my secret weapon for container gardens. The clusters of purple, blue, violet, and white flowers look gorgeous in pots flanking our patio doors.
I’ve found they’re perfect in well-draining containers, and let me tell you – when dusk falls, their sweet fragrance is simply divine. My evening book club always comments on their delicious vanilla-like scent.
5. Moonflower
Talk about a show-stopper! This vigorous vine has transformed our back pergola into a fragrant paradise. Would you believe it grows 20-30 feet in just one season?
With heart-shaped leaves and stunning white blooms that unfurl in the evening, it’s like having your own natural light show. My kids named ours “Jack’s Beanstalk” because it grows so incredibly fast!
6. Plumeria
Living in a warmer climate has its perks, and growing plumeria is definitely one of them! These tropical treasures bloom from spring through fall, offering up flowers in every shade from pure white to sunny yellow and blush pink.
I’ve grown mine into small trees that create the perfect tropical vibe for our evening gatherings. The fragrance reminds me of Hawaiian vacations – minus the expensive plane tickets!
7. Wax Flower
Last but certainly not least is my beloved wax flower. These Australian natives might look delicate with their star-shaped blooms and pine-like foliage, but don’t let that fool you.
The small flowers come in lovely shades from white to pink to purple, and on warm summer evenings, their fragrance is simply amazing. They’re my go-to for adding that special something to our moonlit garden parties.